We have worked on a number of projects this month, many of them internal for the betterment of the Association’s members and the rest for the strengthening of our own processes. This has opened our eyes to the systems we have used for years and how that can be bettered for practical positioning within our sector.
Let’s start by talking about a pilot project to run the Instructor Certification program and how we can provide a better level of consistency for our schools to offer to all students. The TTSAO brand can be solidified by a level of consistency of instruction. This is a worthwhile goal to
attain for the credibility of our entire association. The full rollout of this certification is expected to begin in September.
Also within the expansion of services to members is the SmartDriver Mentorship program that has been approved by the Board is now available. To delve into the details we will cover new grads to link to a carrier who is providing a mentor that has passed a PDIP course and 2 road tests with a TTSAO school, and then a daily report is monitored by the mentor and turned in to the insurer and carrier. This report measures 58 different knowledge and skill sets to attain a level of perfect proficiency before going out on their own. The trainee will undergo a possible
number of 3 additional road tests at a TTSAO school, in order to pass their SmartDriver Mentorship program.
We have found that previous enrollees in this program have a much better safety record, are more settled with their employer and are more likely to retain that employment for at least a year or more.
Mentorship is now the way to access employment after a short course of entry level training and then move into an onboarding of sorts that begins the full effect of becoming a professional driver. Depending on the type of transportation required this will add another 200-400 hours of on-the-job training.
Your Association has been heavily involved in the Stakeholder Group on Entry Level Training that the Ministry of Transportation has earmarked as a “comprehensive review” for 2024. The main stakeholders of entry level training have all amassed in this group to come up with strategies, solutions and ideas to improve and eliminate problem areas in the current MELT. Feedback from the school operators is crucial to get a current idea of the critical areas of MELT and how to provide solutions that will be accepted by the Ministry for their implementation on a new and improved Entry Level Training curriculum and regulatory framework.
Also formulating is the Conference Committee for 2025, which is looking to move to a new venue and time to make the next conference even more rewarding for the attendees and our members.
Phil Fletcher
President
Phil has served for more than 5 years both on the TTSAO Board and as President. Phil is a Former Board member of the Private Motor Truck Council,
Currently on the Advisory Panel of the Smart Freight Center, U of T Board member of the Hamilton Transportation Club