News Archives: Diversified Transportation Ltd. Helps NWP Gear Up More Students
Monday, March 6th, 2023
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New partnership boosts capacity to deliver in-demand career options.
Northwestern Polytechnic’s commercial driver training programs are picking up speed thanks to a new partnership with Diversified Transportation Ltd. The timely collaboration is integral to expanding Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) course offerings and accessibility.
“Our MELT programs have always been quite popular, providing immediate skills and the necessary qualification to Class 1 and Class 3 commercial drivers,” says Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP Provost and Vice President Academic. “These in-demand Continuing Education courses are often oversubscribed so we are pleased to add to our offerings and expand our MELT programs to include Class 2. We will now be able to accommodate even more students and help address growing workforce needs.”
In addition to making a new training vehicle available to NWP’s growing fleet, Diversified Transport Ltd. will be boosting teaching capacity by providing access to a qualified Class 2 instructor. This is the first time that a Class 2 program will be offered locally.
“This partnership is great news for the region and the transportation industry as a whole,” says Tim Lindsay, VP Employee Transportation. “We are pleased to be able to contribute in a meaningful way that we know will deliver significant employment, economic and community benefits.”
The new collaboration means NWP will add Class 2 training to its list of over 100 Continuing Education programs. Prospective bus drivers will have the ability to receive their training without leaving the community when the 50 course launches in April 2023.
While the soon to be professional drivers will log many kilometers over the course of their career, NWP is delighted to be able to provide even more immediate local training options in a vital industry.
“NWP recognizes the tremendous power of collaboration,” says Michelle Wallace, Associate Dean Continuing Education. “We are so grateful for the generosity of our partners and willingness to continue to explore shared opportunities that benefit us all.”
With an estimated shortage of roughly 3,600 commercial drivers, there has never been a better time to get trained for a career behind the wheel.
To learn more about NWP’s Continuing Education department and Driver Training programs please visit NWP.me/MELT.
