esbd Kevin Mooney

Prudhomme Trucks Ltd.: 

Prudhomme Trucks Ltd. Foreign Worker Initiative

History: 

History In 2003, Prudhomme Trucks Ltd. (PTL) began to feel the effects of the shortage of long haul truck drivers in Canada. We quickly realized that we had to become more innovative in our recruitment efforts. In the fall of 2003, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) in partnership with Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program and HRSDC took part in a pilot program known as Immigrant Worker Nominee Program. To date this pilot program has been successful in bringing approximately 250 families to Saskatchewan, with the expectation to grow these numbers in the years to come. Three companies are participating in the current pilot program, and the program was not in the position to expand.

Slide3: 

Two viable options for our company included training new entrants into the industry and immigrating qualified drivers from overseas. We first looked at developing a partnership with SIAST to train new entrants into the transportation industry. Before the partnership was realized we received word that SIAST was closing down the commercial truck driver training program. Immigration began to become a more attractive option, as the Canadian transportation industry continued to be hampered by a steady decline of long haul drivers. How were we going to immigrate truck drivers from another country?

PTL – “Research Mission”: 

PTL – “Research Mission” In the fall of 2004, we hired a consultant to go to Holland on a research mission to see if there were qualified candidates. There were qualified candidates. However, the consultant failed to understand our business, and the research mission failed.

PTL – “Going it Alone”: 

PTL – “Going it Alone” We placed an advertisement in a major newspaper in the United Kingdom. We had limited response to the advertisement. Advertising overseas can be extremely expensive. Make sure that you aim for an advertiser that will have impact.

PTL – “Finding the right consultant”: 

PTL – “Finding the right consultant” Sign a memorandum of understanding. Ensure a clear set of expectations. Make sure that your consultant knows your business. Audit the consultants work. Remember that your consultant is representing your company to a certain extent.

National Occupational Classification : 

National Occupational Classification Step 1 – Find out how your occupation is classified. All occupations are coded under the following codes: A, B, C, D. A/B – Post Secondary / Skilled Professions C/D – Semi-Skilled. “on the job training”. Requires no post secondary education.

Slide8: 

In Saskatchewan, the provincial government will nominate A,B and aprenticeable trades. Currently, commercial truck drivers are classified under the D category in the National Occupational Classification Matrix. As a result, we had the apply to the Human Resources & Skills Development Canada - Foreign Worker Program for authorization to employ temporary foreign workers.

HRSDC – Foreign Worker Program: 

HRSDC – Foreign Worker Program Development of a Human Resources Plan. Prove “rigorous” recruitment efforts domestically. Demonstrate on-going efforts to recruit Canadian youth, Aboriginals, and Canadians in high areas of unemployment. Development of an Employer / Employee Contract.

Pre-screening Applicants: 

Pre-screening Applicants Background Investigation Minimum 5 years heavy goods driving experience. Copy of the driver’s resume. Copy of the driver’s license. Copy of the driver’s license abstract. Driving assessment from a certified heavy goods driver training facility.

Slide11: 

Two written references from employers that could verify the applicants driving abilities. Criminal record check for the applicant and every family member 18 years of age or older. D-4 Medical for the applicant. Letter of “good health” from the family physician.

Interview Questions - Adaptability: 

Interview Questions - Adaptability We took a look at our business and developed questions that would help us identify candidates that could adapt to our work environment. The following critical categories were established: Night Driving Continental Driving Hours of Work Safety & Compliance Work Flexibility

3 Implementation Phases: 

3 Implementation Phases Phase 1 – 10 drivers were interviewed and road tested in Regina at our head office. The first group of 10 drivers started work in March 2005. Phase 2 – Drivers and spouses were interviewed in London, England. The second group of drivers started work in June 2005. Phase 3 – Drivers and spouses were interviewed in London, England. The third group of drivers started work in October 2005.

Training: 

Training Formed a partnership with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association to provide an intensive 5 day driving course. The course provides the skills necessary to challenge the SGI class 1A license. Our Safety & Compliance Department provided a 5 day course on hours of service, weights & dimensions, pre-trip inspections, etc.

Slide15: 

Matched the overseas driver with a Prudhomme mentor driver for a 1-2 week period. The practical portion allowed the drivers to put their new skills into practice.

Community Support Plan : 

Community Support Plan Basic Needs: Affordable Accommodation Transportation Child care Schooling Workplace Language (ESL)

Slide17: 

Intermediate Settlement Needs: Meet and Greet Banking Information (budgeting skills) Utilities Taxes Shopping for food / household items Doctor/Dentist Counseling Emergency Contacts Tour Workplace

Slide18: 

Long Term Settlement Needs: Recreation & leisure activities Accommodating cultural & religious beliefs Links with other ethnic groups Block introductions Volunteerism

Barriers: 

Barriers Mis-interpretation of the Employer / Employee Contract (Sick leave, holidays, days off) Financial / Budgeting Constraints (mortgages, taxes, utilities, etc.) Affordable accommodations Regulatory requirements Training Community Support

Saskatchewan Barrier Statistics: 

Saskatchewan Barrier Statistics

Saskatchewan Retention Rates: 

Saskatchewan Retention Rates

PTL Retention Rates: 

PTL Retention Rates

Conclusion: 

Conclusion Immigration: Good for Business Good for Municipalities Good for the Province of Saskatchewan