Upgrading or choosing a new career
path can be difficult. That's why triOS College is working with hundreds
of corporate partners, like Kriska, to make the transition into
employment easier for graduates. In addition, triOS is working with
these partners to shape curriculum. Recently, triOS College CEO, Frank
Gerencser, sat down with Kriska's Recruiting Manager Caroline Blais to
discuss industry needs and career opportunities.
triOS: What does Kriska look for in a new driver?
Kriska: We
look for individuals that understand the difference between having a
licence and being a true professional. Our industry is shaped by the
behaviour of truck drivers. Being safe and courteous are key
responsibilities and we need to make sure that the people we hire
recognize this.
triOS: What do you look for when you review an applicant’s resume?
Kriska:
Most of the drivers we hire are new to the industry. As such, I make
sure the driver has received training from a Ministry-approved program
at a registered college.
If they went to a fly-by-night, illegal trucking school, we suggest they consider re-training in a registered program.
We believe that the investment the
student makes in their education is just as important as the investment
we make in them as an employee.
triOS: Give us your perspective on the Professional Transport Operator + Internship program at triOS College.
Kriska: This program is very unique. It's the first program that adds a whole other dimension to the training that new drivers receive.
It goes beyond teaching them to operate the equipment to get their A-Z licence, and focuses on the many layers of the industry.
We believe this knowledge will produce
better employees because they will understand how their actions impact
other areas of the business. For example, if drivers are delayed, they
will understand how a late delivery affects service levels and how
service levels shape customer relationships.
triOS: There
are some schools that offer truck driver training as low as $1,000 -
$2,000. What is your perspective on this type of training?
Kriska: A
graduate of a discount school would have a difficult time qualifying
for our training program or being hired by our company. Many discount
programs eliminate important information, making the training
insufficient.
Our new employees go through a
training program built upon the foundation they would have received
through our partnered schools. Our training program is an investment and
we look for graduates that have in-truck training and in-class
instruction.
We also prefer that people have an
understanding of all parts of our business such as the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods, Border Crossing Procedures and Hours of Service
regulations.
Ultimately, we are looking for
candidates that are prepared to start their career by making an
investment in themselves by attending a credible school recognized by
our industry.
triOS: What makes Kriska different from an employer / employee relationship? How do you treat your drivers differently than others?
Kriska: We know that being an over the road driver is not easy, so we spend time communicating with our drivers.
We survey them for feedback on key
issues like pay, benefits, home / worklife balance and conduct regular
wage comparisons to ensure our drivers are very well compensated.
Our drivers can also explore various
career options including training, becoming an owner-operator, or moving
into an internal position. We know our methods work because in 2012, we
were recognized as one of North America's 20 Best Fleets To Drive For.
We have a very good safety record, good equipment and a great reputation in the industry.
We want to hire individuals with
similar values, so we make significant investments in our School
Partners Program and the Voluntary Commercial Tractor-Trailer Driver
Apprenticeship program. both Programs help us stay connected to new
graduates and Ministry-approved schools.
About triOS College Business Technology Healthcare
Since its inception in 1992,
triOS College has prepared over 20,000 job-ready graduates for rewarding
careers. triOS is the proud recipient of numerous distinctions
including being named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies two
years in a row. triOS has nine campus locations across Southern Ontario
and is registered as a Private Career College under the Private Career
Colleges Act of Ontario. more information about triOS College may be
found at www.trios.com
About Kriska Holdings Limited
Established in 1978, the Kriska
Group of Companies is a privately held, family owned Canadian
corporation. By adopting innovation early, Kriska is prepared and
equipped to deliver continuous growth and improvement to their
customers. As an eight-time winner of the Shipper's Choice Award and a
Platinum Club Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, Kriska is a
truckload specialist company committed to reliable and efficient North
America wide access
