The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) is dedicated to ensuring that new drivers have the education and the ability to operate their vehicle safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Here’s their mission statement:

“The Truck TSAO is committed to providing the trucking industry with the highest quality driver training programs for entry-level individuals that earn and maintain public confidence, adhering to sound ethical business practices. TTSAO members will ensure that their conduct will require sound judgement in pursuance of their professional educating duties by focusing on safety at all times.”

In order to achieve their goals, the TTSAO works with their member schools and the TTSAO Carrier Group, which are transportation companies that give preference to TTSAO graduates. Geoff Topping, Vice President of Human Resources at Challenger, is one of the founding members of the Carrier Group and has provided us with some insight into why Challenger is such a strong supporter of this organization:

“TTSAO member schools provide a higher quality education. The schools have qualified instructors, good equipment and consistent training. It’s a standard you can count on.”

He adds that carriers go further in making sure a graduate is road-ready: “When a student finishes the school program, they are licensed to drive, but they aren’t quite ready to hit the road. The finishing program happens at the carrier. As Challenger is a TTSAO member carrier, we work with the schools to make sure that the students are ready to join Entry Level Driver Programs” Also known as finishing programs.

 

Here’s how the Driver Finishing Program works at Challenger:

When a new driver applies to Challenger and has been accepted into our Entry Level Driver Program, they will spend 6-8 weeks in training that starts in our yard, moves on to some cornering and local work, then progresses to on-road training to prepare them as a Challenger driver for long haul driver jobs or team driver jobs. An orientation period then follows our Entry Level Driver Program.

 

Getting behind the wheel at Challenger:

It has been said that the Challenger road test is harder than the government test. The purpose of that is to ensure that we hire the best truck drivers in the field. With the TTSAO and Entry Level Driver Program, drivers are prepared to perform well with these tests.

Creating new standards:

Another important accomplishment for the TTSAO and the Carrier Group that Geoff stressed is that they “are actively involved in helping the Government come up with MELT standards: Mandatory Entry Level Training. Beginning in July these training regulations will create standardized criteria for drivers, ensuring that they achieve 36.5 hours in the classroom as well as 50 hours in a truck, 17 yard training and 12 hours training for the Z endorsement for a total of 115.5 hours of training.”

One of the main goals of the TTSAO, the Member Carrier Group and the government regulators is to ensure that those new to driving careers have the knowledge as well as the skills to become professional truck drivers. Everyone involved wants to make sure that not only the employers needs will be met, but that in doing so, drivers will have the skills to consistently operate with the safety of the general public as a top priority.

 

Why TTSAO?

When asked if new drivers benefit from an education through a TTSAO member school, Geoff had this to say, “Absolutely. If you are serious about a rewarding career with a Canadian trucking company, an accredited TTSAO member school will give you recognized quality training and align you with a quality carrier.

If you are interested in driving careers and becoming a Truck Driver in Ontario, be sure to seek out a TTSAO accredited school to be prepared for a great career on the road! If you have any questions about TTSAO schools or becoming a driver for Challenger, reach out to our Recruitment Team at 1-800-334-5142 or Recruiting@challenger.com.

You can also apply to Challenger online using our website application form.

 

Karen Cardillo
Challenger