GrainsWest Spring 2020

Level Training (MELT). Prior to that date, the program was not mandatory for Alberta farmers. The expense for each applicant is about $10,000. “The real issue after the training is being able to find a job,” said Randy Dick. “The jobs are there, but insurance companies are demanding that drivers have at least three years of driving experience with a clean driving record. But how do they get that driving experience if they can’t drive? I don’t know what is going to happen, but they may need to make this into some type of an apprenticeship program that allows drivers to train while they work.” And it’s not just an Alberta problem. Some reports predict Canada could be short 34,000 drivers four years from now. “Numbers like these will impact all sectors of transportation, including agriculture,” said Chris Nash, Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) president. “The average age of commercial transport drivers has seen an increase over the past few years. With more and more drivers retiring, now is the time to increase awareness among those looking for a career or career change and show them industry is open for business.” YOU HAVE ENOUGH ON YOUR MIND. Go into spring prepared with an Advance Payments Program CCGA Cash Advance. Get a jump start on your spring and complete your 2020 application now. Our experienced team makes it easy. Call 1-866-745-2256 or visit ccga.ca/cash INPUTS VARIETIES CASH FLOW WEATHER SEEDING MARKETING Advance Payments Program Programme de paiements anticipés 50 + Commodities $ 100K Interest-free $ 1M Maximum As the voice of about 15,000 paid and associate members of the commercial transportation industry, the AMTA is working on a variety of avenues aiding driver recruitment. Industry is encouraging underrepresented population groups to considered the trucking industry. Such initiatives include the Women Building Futures’ Professional Class 1 Driver program. Dick suggested the able-bodied outlook is not completely bleak. “I’m seeing more often, as young farmers join in the farming operation, that more farms are buying their own grain trucks. They are interested in diversifying the farm and creating additional employment for the next generation.” While the owners of Dick’s Trucking and Go-Fer Ag Services acknowledge programs such as MELT ensure new drivers are properly trained, there must also be an affordable means for new drivers to acquire experience behind the wheel. Scafe has first-hand experience with the difficulties faced by new drivers. His 19-year-old son Anders is in the process of getting his class 1 licence. “Even with MELT, it appears his insurance premiums might be double that of an experienced driver,” said Scafe. “The way it is set up now, they don’t make it easy for young people to get into the industry.”