Course Description

Transportation and materials handling is a major employer in our modern economy. The process of handling shipments of goods is a part of the logistical process and a vital link between manufacturers and consumers.  McKenzie College has identified a need in the logistics and shipping industries for Commercial Drivers trained to operate Class 1 vehicles for commercial carriers across the Maritimes.

McKenzie College is delivering the CTHRC Earning Your Wheels Program. Earning Your Wheels is an intensive  program that includes a minimum of 120 hours in the classroom and 85 hours behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. This is followed by a minimum of 100 hours behind the wheel during four weeks of supervised workplace experience with a partnering carrier. Students will learn to operate a commercial vehicles and be trained to safely and efficiently transfer and deliver loads of materials.

The program is delivered exclusively through accredited schools, and by certified coaches and instructors. you can learn more about the CTHRC Earning Your Wheels Program by visiting their web site.

Career Opportunities
The McKenzie College Earning Your Wheels / Class 1 Program is designed for those students who wish to obtain a Class 1, Nova Scotia license for Tractor Trailers.  The program includes preparation for the Nova Scotia Air Brake test, professional driving skills instruction for both urban and rural driving. Carriers across Nova Scotia are actively recruiting Drivers for Class 1, long haul routes. Successful graduates of the Earn Your Wheels program are in demand across Canada.

What makes our program unique?
The McKenzie Earning Your Wheels/Class 1 program is the only program of its kind available in the industrial Area of Cape Breton. We offer a 15-week program that includes extensive worksite experience and hands on training. Our program will meet both the requirements of the THRSC (Atlantic Trucking Sector Council) and CTHRC (Canadian Trucking Sector Council). Don’t settle for less than our professional 15 week course.

We have developed the  Earning Your Wheels/Class 1 program to address a wide range of job descriptions in the logistics and transportation industry. Students receive industry recognized safety certifications needs by most employers in the transportation sector. Our program includes air-brake instruction as part of the program and students do not have to write their air-brake certificate before enrolling in the program.

Facilities
McKenzie College provides a modern learning environment that includes both in class and on site educational resources. In-class session take place at our campus on the corner of Charlotte and Townsend Street, while field instruction takes place at our Sydport facility.

Program Modules
Air Brakes
Pre and Post Trip Inspections and Coupling
Vehicle Systems
Driving Theory and Regulations
Professional Driving Theory
Cargo and Load Securement
Yard Maneuvers
Urban Driving
Rural Driving
Worksite Safety
Workplace Math
Communications and Customer Relations
Computer Technology and Business Equipment
Resume Building
Road Test

 

Applicants to the Earning Your Wheels program are asked to provide the following documentation prior to receiving acceptance:

Valid Class 5 license with the N removed

Completed application form

$50.00 registration fee

Drivers abstract

Personal resume

Successful completion of TOWES test

Personal interview

Letter on intent

Medical examination

Eye examination

Psyco-Physical and testing

Mechanical aptitude test

Submit to drug testing