Robyn D.

Twenty-nine-year-old Robyn is a mother of two and a proud band member of the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation.

Robyn participated in the Haul Truck Operator course offered through Keyano College after seeing it advertised on Athabasca Tribal Council’s (ATC) Facebook page.

“Becoming a Haul Truck Operator has always been a career I’ve been interested in, and it felt like the right time so I applied,” she said.

Robyn calls the support and guidance she received from the program coordinators amazing. With her tuition fully paid for, as well as any extras such as parking passes, training certificates, a bi-weekly living allowance, and some lunches, she was well-equipped to succeed.

“Everyone involved has been very supportive and given me the confidence to know I can do this,” said Robyn, “and have been there to answer any questions or concerns I’ve had along the way.”

A typical day during the program was a brief chat with the instructors upon arrival, followed by the first team getting on the truck simulators. During that time, the rest of the class would work on their computer based training (CBTs) and resumes. Once everyone finished on the simulators, classwork involving watching informational videos followed by quizzes were completed. In addition to the CBT’s they also received soft skills training such as resume and cover letter writing, health tips and tricks, as well as basic computer knowledge.

Attending this program has landed her a four-month co-op placement with Syncrude, and the training and confidence to be a successful Haul Truck Operator in the oil sands industry.

When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Haul Truck Operator program or a similar program, Robyn said: “If this is a career you want, go for it! The instructors prepare you and guide you every step of the way and give you the confidence to succeed! Believe you can, and you’re halfway there!”

The Indigenous Haul Truck program is a partnership between Keyano College, Service Canada, Government of Alberta – Indigenous Relations, and Athabasca Tribal Council. The hiring partners in the project are Syncrude Canada Ltd, Suncor Energy, Tuccaro Group of Companies and Fort McKay Group of Companies.