Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is supporting the provincial government’s new initiative to assist farmers seeking mandatory entry-level training (MELT) to obtain their Class 1 license.
“Farm safety is a key priority for KAP, and MELT training ensures that farmers receive high-quality training that will keep them safe on Manitoba highways,” said KAP President Bill Campbell. “This time-limited grant is a step in the right direction, and we encourage all farmers in Manitoba to take advantage of this program. Manitoba farmers are not using their Class 1 licenses to take on long-haul routes, they just need to be able to safely move grain and livestock to market.”
The new grant, announced by the province this week, covers up to two-thirds of the cost of tuition for each employee up to a maximum of $50,000 per employer. The grant includes training that takes place between November 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2021 or until the grant funding is fully expended.
Under the current pandemic response measures commercial truck driver training to meet MELT requirements has been identified as an essential service, which will further help eliminate training backlogs.
KAP says it will continue to advocate for increased flexibility with MELT. During these uncertain times Manitoba farmers would benefit from an online platform for MELT course delivery, which is something that farmers have identified as another option to further reduce barriers to this training.
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