Meet Melissa Giesbrecht…23 years old and the youngest graduate of the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Entry Level Professional Truck Driver Training Program. 

This 23 year old, fresh, smiling face may not be the typical image of a truck driver, but then again, why not?  The typical image of trucking is changing and needs to change.  Today, nearly every carrier faces the issue of a shortage of qualified drivers due to an aging workforce (particularly in trucking), competition with the oil industry, and a general lack of interest in starting a career as a professional driver.

The Entry Level Professional Truck Driver Training Program provides driver training and financial support to qualified candidates who want to work in the Manitoba trucking industry. The job opportunities in this field are growing in Manitoba like never before, but there just are not enough professional drivers to meet this demand.

When MPI Program Administrator Danielle Ruttan and I sat down down with Melissa after presenting her with her graduation certificate, we both noted what a refreshing and postive experience it was to listen to her talk about her passion for the industry and this career she chose.  “I was sick of factory work and wanted to get out and do stuff and see things and I felt driving was the way to do it” says Melissa when asked why a 23 year old would choose to be a professional driver over any other career.

Melissa has completed several trips on her own, but will occasionally  drive with her dad, an Owner-Operator who is wanting to slow down as he approaches his retirement.  Both of them are employed at Payne Transportation, one of the participating trucking companies in the MPI program. 

Coming from a family of drivers, her uncle also employed at Payne Transportation, Melissa is the youngest child of four and the only one to follow in the family business.  Melissa says she loves driving and plans to make it a long term career choice.  “The best part about being a driver is the traveling.   I get to see different parts of the province and the country, I also get to meet new people every day”

Melissa is currently not married nor has any children, but plans to at some point settle down and even hopes her husband will want to drive professionally as well.  Her advice to anyone thinking about a career in trucking is “Don’t give up.  It may be a bit frustrating in the beginning, but at the end of the day, it’s a very satisfying job”

This MPI program offers Class 1 driver training solutions by providing 100% tuition funding to qualified candidates, supporting the training efforts of participating trucking companies.

The Entry Level Professional Truck Driver Training Program was developed and funded by Manitoba Public Insurance and created with input from members of the local trucking industry and the Manitoba Trucking Association.  For more information about the program please click on the “Drive your career choice!” image below

Laura La Palme
Marketing & Business Development for the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA)