Here are four good reasons people go to their local YWCA:

• Workout in the exercise room
• Swim in the pool
• Play basketball in the gym
• Learn CPR and other first aid skills

Now you can add a fifth one if it happens to be the Metro Vancouver YWCA: Get your CDL.

The Vancouver Y has a program called the YWCA‘s Changing Gears, which receives funding from the federal and provincial governments. The goal is to increase the number of women in B.C.’s trucking industry.

The free, 23-week program is open to women on employment insurance (or returning from maternity leave) and incorporates on-the-road practice, as well as self-defense, and health and safety training. Changing Gears has partnerships with several local trucking companies to help grads find work. Six women received their Class 1 licenses after the program’s first class in September.

The full course includes:

• Class 1 Driver training and on-the-road practice (city and mountain)
• Air-brake Certification
• Class 1 Trucking Essential Skills Training
• Group pre-trip course
• National Safety Code (log books)
• Defensive driving, extreme driving courses
• Load securement – practical
• Hauling freight, commercial driving courses
• SMART Driver Course
• Transportation of dangerous goods
• Occupational First Aid Level I, WHMIS
• Self-defense training
• Health and wellness component
• Job Search support and placement with local employers