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From coast to coast, everything in Canada moves by truck. That’s why careers in the trucking industry are in demand. If you want to explore a career in the fast-growing trucking industry, free programs are available to help you learn more.
The Explore Trucking Careers program at the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) can help you determine whether trucking is right for you and how to find meaningful employment. The program is a free workshop designed to educate you about the opportunities and benefits of a career in trucking.
Program Description and Benefits
As part of a community initiative, TBDC hosts free information sessions and boot camps in partnership with community organizations and employment agencies across Ontario. These boot camps offer information about the trucking industry, available opportunities, and career pathways.
The session can guide you toward reputable driving schools in their region to help you get a valid AZ or DZ license. TBDC is also actively working with organizations like Windmill Microlending and Achev to develop funding options similar to OSAP, easing the financial burden of obtaining a license.
The Introduction to Trucking Boot Camp is led by trucking experts and covers a complete introduction to the trucking industry. You’ll learn all the basics on what you’ll need to launch your career, like:
- An overview of the industry
- The benefits of a trucking career
- Types of trucks, drivers, and licenses (AZ/DZ)
- How to obtain a license
- Connections to reputable truck training schools and hiring employers
Each session includes lunch, networking opportunities, and, in some cases, a Trucking Simulator you can try out! All sessions are free, and so is the wraparound support you will receive as a participant. The only cost involved is for obtaining your license.
Once licensed, you will benefit from being connected to the TBDC employer network—including companies like GFL, which are expanding and looking to hire over 300 new drivers. You will also enjoy additional training to support your long-term career success, funded in collaboration with your employer, once you are hired.
Why Consider a Career in Trucking?
With a shortage of qualified drivers, licensed individuals with a clean record can start earning anywhere between $24 and $35/hour (depending on experience). It’s not an easy job – long hours, solo time on the road, and time away from family are part of the experience. But the rewards include:
- High earning potential
- Travel across North America
- Discovering new places, foods, and cultures
- Local routes with companies like GFL and E360S, allowing you to be home every night
How to Get Started
The first step is to sign up for one of the free TBDC Introduction to Trucking Bootcamps.
Once you have completed the info session, you’ll pursue your AZ or DZ license, which typically:
- Costs between $5,000 and $10,000 (depending on the school)
- Takes around 1–2 months to complete
Basic English communication skills are required, as the job involves:
- Speaking with dispatchers
- Interacting at pick-up/delivery sites
- Communicating at the Canada–US border (for long-haul drivers)
Bring all your questions to the event so you can make an informed decision about whether a career in this field is right for you. Be sure to check out the TBDC Explore Careers in Trucking Events page to find dates and sessions near you.
TBDC programs are designed to help you find meaningful careers and job opportunities in the trucking industry. Take the first step toward a stable, high-demand career!
There are no prerequisites or formal requirements to attend—just a basic level of English to understand the presentation, ask questions, and engage in networking.
For more inquiries about the program, you can also email [email protected]
Presented by: TBDC Toronto Business Development Centre
Last updated: July 30, 2025 4006665
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