The Vancouver YWCA is once again offering a free 24-week training program starting on February 21, 2023, that is designed to help women obtain a Class 1 Driver’s Licence so they can develop a career in the transport trucking industry.

The program, titled “Changing Gears,” is recruiting women who are interested in a career as a professional truck driver.

Eligibility

Applicants should be unemployed self-identifying women who: 

• Currently on EI OR; Had an EI claim in the last five years OR; Have earned $2,000 or more and paid employee EI premiums in at least 5 of the last 10 years OR; Have established a benefit period and were paid maternity benefits within the past five years and are re-entering the labour force OR; BC Employment Assistance (BCEA) clients including PWD and non-PWD clients
• Have a valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence and a clean driver’s abstract  
• Are proficient in English  
• Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents 

All eligible participants require a referral from a WorkBC centre.

The first eight weeks takes place in-person in Vancouver and online. Subsequent driving courses and lessons to take place in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Surrey, Chilliwack or Langley.

How To Register

The program begins on February 21, 2023. If a candidate meets the eligibility requirements, they are to contact their local WorkBC Centre and ask for a referral from a case manager. Find a WorkBC Centre near you at workbccentres.ca.

For information about registration, please call  YWCA Changing Gears at 604-690-7341 or email changinggears@ywcavan.org.

For more details visit https://ywcavan.org/changing-gears.

*Please consider distributing this information with your drivers and other staff, who may find it useful to share with their own contacts as well.