What is MELT – Mandatory Entry Level Training?

BC’s Ministry of Transportation has followed in the footsteps of neighbouring provinces by announcing details regarding the implementation of its MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) program for commercial drivers on March 31, 2021.

As of October 18, 2021 – in order to obtain a Class 1 Commercial Driver’s Licence in BC, drivers must now undergo a rigid training program that exceeds the minimum requirements set by the National Safety Code Standard, composed of a minimum of 140 hours of instruction and training. Read ICBC’s full MELT FAQ here.

What does that mean here at MTI?

The inaugural MELT session began on August 21, 2021. Our “The MTI Way” MELT Program clocks in at approximately 8 weeks in length, and the tuition is listed below. We also offer “The MTI Way Platinum,” which finishes up with the 4 weeks of coach-mentorship with one of our partner carriers. Feel free to contact our office for course outlines for both programs.

• The MTI Way (Class 1 MELT Program)

Tuition:  $18,500 CAD + $300 for books – tax receipt issued upon completion.

• The MTI Way Platinum (Class 1 MELT Program)

Tuition:  $21,500 CAD + $300 for books – tax receipt issued upon completion.

As a training institution that has always been dedicated to a higher level of learning and safety (just look at The MTI Way course that we have been teaching for years) – we welcome these superior training standards with open arms, believing them to be long overdue. Yes, more time, dedication and funding is required from students – but the end result will be better track records amongst commercial drivers in BC and safer roads overall, eventually leading to nationwide MELT standards.

Funding

A number of government programs exist to assist with these training costs, and to support new Class 1 drivers entering the trucking industry. Click through to learn more about each:

• WorkBC Centre Services
• Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Fund
• BC Employer Training Grant
• Community Workforce Response Grant

To determine eligibility and how to access government funding, Class 1 applicants can learn more about each of the streams of support here.

What else do you need to know about Mandatory Entry Level Training?

Licensed Class 1 Drivers, or even those with expired licenses (less than 3 years), are not required to undergo a MELT program.

MELT is only required for Class 1 commercial vehicle operators – Class 2, 3 and 4 requirements remain unchanged at this time.

Students are required to complete the BC Class 1 MELT course within 12 months from the date of
enrolment, but it is expected students will complete the course in a much shorter timeframe (i.e. 7-8 weeks).

There are many more details and specifications that are worth reading closely on ICBC’s FAQ.