Smiling truck driver standing in front of a white commercial truck

External Certification

AZ Truck Driver MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training)

The AZ Truck Driver program trains students to safely operate heavy trucks, including tractor-trailers, for local and long-haul transportation. It combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
9719
Any Time
9 weeks (approx.)
Full-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted

Become a First-Class Truck Driver, Earn Better Pay

In Thunder Bay and across Canada, transport drivers are in high demand, earning above average incomes. The trucking industry has changed significantly with greater emphasis on safety, health, prevention and accountability.

The career itself involves the operation of heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, provincial and international routes. Long-haul transport truck drivers primarily operate tractor-trailers to transport goods and materials over long distances. This type of work involves planning trip logistics, preparing documentation, vehicle inspection, securing cargo as per safety requirements and obtaining permits for international routes. It also involves recording cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption.

The program meets and exceeds all mandatory objectives set forth by the Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Truck Driver Training Standard that was released July 2017.

Top Highlights

  • Courses follow industry standards and practices so you are ready for the job market
  • Classroom and practical training, including driving, yard, pre-trip and observation
  • Hands-on training in the yard and on the road using a tractor-trailer, while under the instruction of a qualified trainer
  • Drive time includes real world scenarios and trips on highways, city streets and back roads
  • Strong emphasis on defensive driving

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (9719)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

Program participants must:

  1. Possess a valid Ontario full class “G” driver’s licence.
  2. Obtain an Ontario Driver’s Abstract(opens in new window) from Service Ontario.
  3. Obtain a completed Ministry of Transportation Ontario Medical Report(opens in new window).

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Courses

1 intake

Topics Covered in the Program

  1. Air Brake
  2. Basic Driving Techniques
  3. Cargo Securement
  4. Documents, Paperwork and Regulatory Requirements
  5. Employment in the Commercial Vehicle Industry
  6. Fuel Efficiency
  7. Handling Emergencies
  8. Hours of Service Compliance
  9. Operating Drive Time
  10. Professional Driving Habits
  11. Real World Scenarios
  12. Recruiting/Employment Preparation
  13. Tractor-Trailer Off-Road Tasks and Manoeuvres
  14. Transportation Review
  15. Vehicle Components & Systems
  16. Vehicle Inspection Activities
Any Time9719

Semester 1

YC 045

Pre-Trip

25 hours
YC 046

Driving Practicum

52 hours
YC 047

Yard Work

23 hours
YC 048

Classroom Theory

40 hours
YC 049

Observation

60 hours

Meet the Program Staff

1 staff member

Careers

Graduates of Confederation College’s AZ Truck Driver MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program are well-prepared for a range of truck driving careers across Canada. With comprehensive training in operation, safety, and logistics, alumni are equipped for roles including:

  • Long-Haul Transport Truck Driver: Managing extended routes, handling logistics, and maintaining safety compliance on interprovincial and international journeys.
  • Urban and Provincial Truck Driver: Specializing in localized routes within urban and provincial areas.
  • Specialized Vehicle Operator: Opportunities include operating dump trucks, fuel haulers, flatbeds, shunt trucks, moving vans, logging trucks, and tow trucks.
  • Freight Logistics Coordinator and Safety Officer: Overseeing logistics, safety standards, and compliance in the trucking sector.
  • Cargo and Freight Agent: Managing cargo scheduling, documentation, and tracking.
  • Vehicle Inspector and Maintenance Coordinator: Ensuring vehicle safety and operational efficiency.

Furthermore, Confederation College provides exceptional support through Northwest Employment Works (NEW). This service assists students with career advising, resume building, and interview preparation, connecting them with potential employers in the trucking industry.

This program exceeds the standards set by the Ministry of Transportation, ensuring graduates are job-ready for the evolving demands of the trucking industry.

Employment Services

Free employment services for all students through the Northwest Employment Works (NEW). Services include connecting job-seekers to employers and offering one-on-one career advising, resume assistance and interview preparation and techniques.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

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