Ballad Group

Driving Back to Work Grant Program

NOTICE: The Driving Back to Work grant program application intake will remain CLOSED for the 2024-25 fiscal year as we focus on clearing the current queue of applicants who have applied for the program. If you applied before November 15, 2023, your application will be reviewed to determine eligibility.

The grant administrator, Ballad, is actively processing existing applications and will reach out to each applicant regarding their application status or any subsequent steps required. Additionally, Ballad is responsible for developing and managing a waitlist for eligible applicants, ensuring they are placed with a driver training school as soon as possible.

Should there be any changes to your circumstances that affect the information provided during your application process, including changes related to your interview, medical report, or training locations, it is your responsibility to inform Ballad immediately. Upon placement, Ballad will contact you again to confirm your eligibility.

Transportation and Economic Corridors expresses deep gratitude for the overwhelming interest and remains committed to supporting Albertans in this endeavour. We are pleased to have already supported many Albertans in obtaining their Class 1 licence.

While the Driving Back to Work (DBTW) program intake remains paused, a change has been made to the program’s eligibility criteria. This update will change program eligibility to include individuals who have legal entitlement to work in Canada, including Ukrainian evacuees as applicable.

Please note that we are not reopening the application intake at this time. The DBTW program has reached its maximum participant capacity for this fiscal year and remains closed to new applicants until further notice. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to enhance the program for future participants.

For updates and more information, please see Helping Ukrainian evacuees become truck drivers | alberta.ca and continue to monitor this page.

Grant funding for the Driving Back to Work program is provided by both the Provincial Government of Alberta as well as the Federal Government of Canada.

The Driving Back to Work program (DBTW) supports unemployed and underemployed Albertans in obtaining a Class 1 drivers license by providing funding to cover more than 90% of the costs associated with Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) and testing. This will assist the Province and residents of Alberta by making sure there are sufficient Class 1 drivers available to maintain Alberta supply chains and support the economy.

Driving Back to Work is a 8 week, full time program. This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a Class 1 drivers license and enter into, and succeed, within the commercial truck driving industry!

For more information regarding the Driving Back to Work program please refer to the Alberta.ca Driving Back to Work webpage