I was in the finance industry but wanted something more stable during COVID. I thought trucking would be a good fit for me, and I called a school. They said they could put me on a payment plan, so I jumped right in. I called a bunch of places when I got my licence. I started with a reefer company. I worked with them for a month, but they didn’t have a safety program, so I left as soon as I could find a different job. I hauled oil for a bit from wells, and then, in the spring, I called my current employer and found out they were hiring. This is the first good trucking job I’ve had. I get to be home each night and have my own, dedicated truck. It’s a pretty good go. I get to see my family a lot and have most weekends off.

Other people in my Class 1 class were being put through on grants, and a few were already employed and their company paid for it. Some of them are still looking for jobs and have found other work.