Driving Southeast Alberta Forward: Wheels of Opportunity (WOO) Tackles Ag Industry Driver Shortage

Cypress County, AB – Southeast Alberta is accelerating toward a stronger future with the launch of the Wheels of Opportunity grant. Funded through the Government of Alberta Industry Advancement Grant, this initiative is supported by a total of $916,535.00 in provincial funding.

Wheels of Opportunity is a groundbreaking workforce initiative led by Safety Buzz Campus. In partnership with Prairie Rose School Division, municipalities, employment agencies, and agricultural leaders, this innovative program is designed to address one of the most critical challenges facing the region: the severe shortage of qualified drivers in the agricultural industry.

Why It Matters

•Alberta is currently short 4,000+ commercial drivers, which negatively impacts rural economies.

•Cypress County and surrounding area has optimal irrigated farmland but is limited in trained workers.

•Youth unemployment is high, and many current farmworkers are nearing retirement.

•Transportation is one of agriculture’s biggest labour gaps.

Since launching the program, progress has exceeded expectations. To date, 25 participants have been approved, with 8 actively starting the program and already completing their air brakes certification. One female participant is two‑thirds of the way through the program, while another is preparing for her Class 3 road test. With participation well above our target of 7–8 participants per month, Wheels of Opportunity is demonstrating strong momentum and clear demand across Southeast Alberta.

Program Highlights

•Local Training, Big Impact: Participants receive Class 3 licensing, air brakes certification, safety and equipment training, professional development, and ag-specific hazard awareness—an investment of over $3,600 per participant.

•Attraction and awareness of agricultural career opportunities in Southeast Alberta

•Industry Collaboration: SBC is working with school districts, municipalities, employment agencies, and the Ag Industry to get well trained people ready for Ag and the transportation industry

•Funding Support: Fully funded Class 3, air brakes and Ag entry safety training through WOO. The Employment Pathway Grant helps cover costs for advanced training, including Class 1 and Class 1 upgrades.

•State-of-the-Art Simulator: Participants can safely practice in diverse conditions before hitting the road, giving our participants, particularly youth under 18 a head start on their careers.

SBC will highlight bridging to Full Class 1: Through the Experience & Equivalency (E&E) and Competency Based Training, Safety Buzz Campus is creating a pathway from Class 3 and Farm Restricted Class 1 to a full Class 1 license.

Quote from Safety Buzz Campus

“Wheels of Opportunity isn’t just about licenses—it’s about building futures. We’re investing in people, technology, and partnerships to ensure Southeast Alberta remains a leader in agriculture and transportation,” said Amy Zuk-Olsen, co-owner Safety Buzz Campus.

Partners

•Prairie Rose School District

•Forty Mile Regional FCSS/ Community Resource Centre

•Careers Next Generation

•Cypress County

•YMCA

•ASBG

•Plus, many Ag Industry/Producer Partners

Local Benefits

•Strengthens the agricultural supply chain

•Creates well-paid careers

•Supports rural economic growth—all while keeping training accessible in Southeast Alberta

Get Involved

For more information, to partner with us or to apply, contact the Driver Training Division at Safety Buzz Campus at 403-526-8400 Ext. 2 or email woo@safetybuzzcampus.ca.