Question:
Hello, To Everyone
I'm new to this website and community board.
I have a "BZ" driver's license that I earned from a local school bus company.
Would like to upgrade to an "AZ" truck license.
I've looked into and visited training schools, surf websites and talked with different people.
There are many bad/poor training programs in Ontario, Canada and North America.
However; found a few that I feel comfortable and trust in their programs and schools.
(1) Markel Professional Transport Training in Guelph, Ontario
(2) KRTS - Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists in Caledonia, Ont.
(3) Ontario Truck Driving School in London, Ontario
(4) Tri-County Truck Driver Training in Cambridge, Ontario
(5) Ontario Truck Training Academy in Oshawa, Ont.
Been asking various truck companies about these schools and if they hire "new " drivers from these schools.
With your experiences and networking; Do you have any advice, suggestions or ideas on truck driver training schools?
Do you have any thoughts on truck companies in their hiring or job descriptions?
Thanks for your time and assistance.
Someone "new" entering the trucking and transportation industry.
Have a good day and week. Drive safe on the roads.
Answer:
Ah, I see you are from Ontario. Well, I have some tips for you.
Most of the trucking schools in Ontario should be registered as private career colleges with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Below is the link:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/private.html
Now, as you said there are some good schools and some bad schools. If you have picked a couple of schools that you think are good and want to investigate them further I'd suggest asking the school the name of the program and the hours of training offered with that program. Then, you call the Ministry to find out if this program is registered with them and for how many hours of training are registered. If the program is not registered or there is a huge difference in the training hours, don't even consider it.
Contact information:
Private Institution Branch, Program Accountability Unit
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
10th Floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1L2
Telephone: (416) 314-0500
Fax: (416) 314-0499
While you are on the phone with them ask if there have been any complaints filed against the school and what the nature of those complaints are. Just explain that you are looking for a good school, they should be helpful.
Some schools don't exactly operate within the regulations as set out by the Private Career Colleges Act. One of the scams is to sell you a program that isn't registered with the Ministry. This program usually promises more hours of training for more money. The problem here is that the school will likely only deliver their standard program that everyone else gets while making a huge profit with the extra you paid... for nothing. Since the program isn't registered with the Ministry you have no recourse with the Ministry and will have to take the school to court if you expect to recover funds. This isn't exactly a good way to get started.
I am aware of three trucking schools in Ontario with a decent reputation, there may be others:
http://www.krway.com/
http://www.markel.ca/Public/TrainingSolutions/
http://www.5thwheeltraining.com/
Don't be in a rush or pressured and do your research as it seems you are doing.

Answer:
To Paul56
Senior member
Thanks for your advice and points. Will phone that number on Monday.