PRSD Receives Approval for Class 1 Driver Training School
The Peace River School Division (PRSD) is excited to announce that we have been granted collegiate school status for the Driver Training School for Class 1, Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), and Air Brakes Q Endorsement program beginning in the fall of 2024.
This Driver Training School will be known as the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy, which represents the program’s partnership between the Peace River School Division and Northwestern Polytechnic.
This project started in November of 2022, when the idea was presented to the Board of Trustees. The viability of offering a Class 1 Driving School was discussed and information was provided on how it could be structured, the costs it would take to facilitate, and the benefits it would have for the Division and local economy. During this time, it was also explained how this opportunity could positively impact high school completion rates and student enrollment within PRSD.
The north relies heavily on the transportation of goods and having Class 1 Drivers is essential to the current market and local industry sectors. Offering this program will make it possible to create a direct path to employment and fill the need of skilled drivers in the area.
"By tying programming with current economic sectors, students will be able to see a career within reach and create a pathway for themselves to achieve it. Each person who completes this program will be able to transition seamlessly into employment and work efficiently and confidently with employers in the local and surrounding areas," said Delainah Walker, PRSD Board Chair.
Now, with approval from Alberta Education, PRSD is eager to start the next phases of planning and preparing the program to launch in 2024.