Shifting Gears: Elevating Training for Canada’s Trucking Industry (Part 2)
Tom Loder
Sep 12, 2025
Driving Change, Driving Forward: Modernizing Training Delivery for a Safer, Smarter Trucking Industry

The pace of change in commercial trucking is accelerating. In our previous post, Driving Change, Driving Forward, we talked about modernizing training delivery — new platforms, digital courses, and scalable learning design. Now, as we gear up for the upcoming PMTC and PTTAC conferences in Calgary, it’s time to dig deeper: how training must evolve to meet the industry’s toughest challenges — and how we can all play a role in shaping that evolution.

The Convergence of Needs: What Training’s Up Against

As we’ve seen, the trucking industry is facing pressures on multiple fronts:

  • There is a pressing driver shortage in Canada. A report by PwC found a shortfall of about 20,000 truck drivers, which could grow to 30,000 in coming years if recruitment doesn’t improve.
  • In Alberta specifically, 67% of trucking employers reported not being able to fill all driver positions needed in 2023, and the province’s vacancy rate for drivers sits at 7.8%, compared to a national average of 6.2%.
  • At the same time, emissions from heavy-duty trucks account for about 5.2% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgent need for training on zero-emission vehicles and sustainable operations.

Together, these realities highlight why training isn’t just a compliance box to tick, it’s central to workforce readiness, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

What Evolving Training Looks Like

Here are areas where training needs to lean in harder, and where the next wave of opportunity is.

Styled Table
Aspect What’s Changing What Industry Needs
Mode of delivery More online, blended, and self-paced offerings. Moving away from purely instructor-led or classroom-based formats. Accessible, mobile-friendly content; modular learning; micro-credentials; video / interactive simulations.
Regulatory alignment & credentials Every jurisdiction has rules; fleets, drivers, and trainers must comply. New emissions/regulation mandates are increasing. Up-to-date courseware tied to current laws; efficient methods for tracking and renewing credentials; refresher / continuing education paths.
Sustainability / Environmental Training With heavy-duty trucks producing over 5% of Canada’s emissions, the push toward zero-emission fleets is intensifying. Training on efficient driving, alternative propulsion or fuel systems (EV, hydrogen, etc.), vehicle maintenance for newer tech, awareness of regulatory changes.
Scalability & Access across regions Canada is vast; remote communities often have limited connectivity; regulatory/training standards may differ by province. Platforms that work with low bandwidth; content delivery that’s remote friendly; bilingual/multilingual training; partnerships with local providers.
Learner experience & retention Engagement matters. Boring or poorly designed content risks high dropout rates, low morale, safety risks. Scenario-based learning; frequent assessments; meaningful recognition (badges, certificates); feedback loops.
What Bluedrop ISM is Doing — And Where We’re Focusing

Building on what we introduced before, here are the key training-focused initiatives and priorities we are pushing forward (many of which I will be discussing at PMTC/PTTAC):

  • Foundational driver training — early online-driven coursework that gets new Class 1/A drivers not just licensed, but job-ready: safety, regulations, pre-trip/post-trip inspections, etc.
  • Sustainability awareness & zero-emissions readiness — customize training for drivers, fleet staff, and leadership on what zero-emission technologies mean, what the operational changes are, safety/device maintenance, etc.
  • Digital credentialing & tracking — ensuring that certifications, renewals, and compliance items are tracked, verifiable, and portable (e.g. across jurisdictions), and made easier to obtain through online or hybrid training options (like Air Brakes refresher training we developed in collaboration with our partners at the Province of Ontario)
  • Flexible learning pathways — modular, self-paced, blended options so learners can advance without being held back by geography or scheduling. A key project in Alberta that we’re proud to be part of as well.
  • Partnerships & co-development — working with governments, oversight bodies, manufacturers, unions, training providers, to ensure content is up-to-date, aligned, and widely adopted.
What You Can Do: For Training Leaders, Fleets, & Conference Attendees

As a regulator, industry association, or organization in transportation/commercial trucking, here are some practical steps to think about when it comes to advancing training:

  1. Audit your current training programs
    • Are they aligned with the latest regulations (safety, environmental, driver licensing)?
    • Do you track credentials effectively, across jurisdictions?
  2. Invest in modular content & scalable platforms
    • Micro-modules and flexible learning tools and pathways are key.
    • Ensure your training platform works for remote learners, including those in rural and northern communities.
  3. Embed sustainability training now
    • With emissions targets tightening, preparing early reduces risk and costs when transitions happen. Even if you’re a ways away from EV’s, there are steps to take and training to support in terms of reducing emissions and optimizing efficiency.
  4. Form or strengthen partnerships
    • Tap into associations, local training providers, and government funding sources.
  5. Measure & iterate

Use metrics like completion rates, safety outcomes, retention, and compliance.

Looking Ahead to PMTC & PTTAC in Calgary

In Calgary, this year’s conferences will be a pivotal opportunity to discuss training innovation and see it in action. Key topics and items we’ll be engaged-on include things like:

  • Training delivery models (digital, blended, VR / simulations)
  • Credentialing frameworks and regulatory compliance
  • Zero-emission fleet readiness and environmental training
  • Tailored online training solutions that advance skill development for entire industries, and for things like new regulations, driver retention, wellness, mental health, safety culture, etc.

We’ll be there to share what we’ve learned…successes, pitfalls, and what we believe will work moving ahead. If you’re attending, we’d love to connect. You can also visit our events page and schedule some time with us onsite here- https://bluedropism.com/eventsandwebinars/

Closing Thoughts

Training is no longer a back-office support function in the transportation and commercial trucking world, it is increasingly a strategic differentiator. It affects safety, sustainability, driver retention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. As the industry moves forward, those who invest in modern, flexible, learner-centred training will lead the way.

Stay tuned: after the conferences, we’ll share key takeaways: what’s working, what’s changing, and what fleet leaders should focus on in the coming 12 months.

Hope to see you next month in Calgary, conference links below:

PMTC

PTTAC

Check out our transportation training solution brief and visit us to learn more about our specialized training solutions for transportation and commercial trucking!

Suggested Reading
Transportation Solution Brief

Read More >

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