Wheels of Opportunity

Driving Ag Careers Forward

Grant-funded Class 3 driver training for Alberta’s agriculture and transportation workforce.

  • Investing up to $3,600 in training support for eligible participants.

  • Class 3, air brakes, simulator & ag safety

  • Built for youth, women, and rural communities

  • Proudly supported through funding from the Government of Alberta.

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For Employers & Partners →
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What Is
Wheels of Opportunity

A New Pathway Into Agriculture & Transportation

Wheels of Opportunity is a rural workforce initiative led by Safety Buzz Campus, in partnership with school divisions, municipalities, employment agencies, and agriculture industry leaders.

The program is designed to train and support new Class 3 commercial drivers to help meet Alberta’s growing agricultural transportation needs, while creating accessible, well-paid career pathways for people in rural communities.

This isn’t just driver training. It’s a workforce solution built around real jobs, real employers, and long-term opportunity.

Why This Program Is Needed Now

Alberta’s agriculture sector depends on skilled drivers, and right now, there aren’t enough of them.

  • Alberta is short more than 4,000 commercial drivers

  • Transportation is one of agriculture’s biggest labour gaps

  • Youth unemployment remains high

  • Many farm and transportation workers are nearing retirement

  • Rural regions have limited access to training

Wheels of Opportunity was created to address these challenges head-on, with training that’s local, practical, and directly connected to employment.

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Who the Program Supports

Wheels of Opportunity is designed to remove barriers and open doors to agriculture and transportation careers, especially for those who may not have had access to training before.

The program supports:

Under represented groups, including Hutterite and Mennonite colonies

Individuals seeking agriculture-related employment

Newcomers and career changers

Youth (high school and post-secondary)

Women working in agriculture

No prior commercial driving experience is required to apply.

If you’re motivated to work and ready to build a career in agriculture or agriculture-related transportation, this program is built for you.

Apply for the Program
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Program Features & Funding

Training Pathways

  • Two training pathways: adult training and high school integration

  • Hands-on driving experience

  • AG-specific training

  • Safety and equipment training

  • Simulator-based learning

Wraparound Supports

You’re not on your own. Participants also receive:

  • Resume and job-readiness support

  • Job search assistance

  • Mentorship opportunities

  • Connections to employers in agriculture and transportation

Funding

Investing up to $3600 for eligible participants toward:

  • Class 3 driver training

  • Air brake endorsement

  • Simulator training

  • Safety certifications

Note: While Wheels of Opportunity focuses on Class 3 licensing, Employer Pathway grants may also be available for Class 1 training support.

Built for Rural Alberta

Local & Long-Term Benefits

Training is delivered locally at our campus, with off-site options available when needed. After holding a Class 3 licence for two years, participants are eligible to upgrade to a Class 1 through our Class 1 E&E Program.

This program helps:

  • Strengthen Alberta’s agriculture and transportation workforce

  • Support rural economic growth

  • Create access to stable, well-paid careers

  • Keep skilled workers in local communities

  • This program leads to stable, well-paid work in agriculture and transportation, close to home.

A white semi-truck driving on a wet highway.

Wheels of Opportunity works best when the industry is involved.

Employers and community partners play a key role by:

  • Helping shape training to match real-world needs

  • Offering mentorship and job shadowing

  • Providing internships and employment opportunities

  • Supporting job placement and long-term retention

For Agriculture and Ag-Related Employers & Industry Partners

Added Benefit for Employers

Through Careers Next Gen, employers who hire youth under 24 may qualify for a wage subsidy, helping offset onboarding costs and support workforce growth.

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Have a question? Send us an email
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Apply to Wheels of Opportunity

Ready to get started? Complete the application below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Our team will contact you to discuss next steps.

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Partners

Logo for the East Miles Regional ESS, featuring a purple and green design with the text East Miles Regional ESS, and the tagline 'Real Community Support Givers'.
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