Every month, Musket Transport celebrates graduates from CHET who stepped into the industry with confidence, skill, and a whole lot of drive. This edition features real voices from the road, CHET students who trained hard, got matched with the right employer, and are now thriving in trucking.
Haitham: From Reserved Beginner to Owner-Operator
Sandra, CHET’s Operations Manager, remembers Haitham’s start vividly:
“Haitham came to CHET for the March 2023 class and was a young man, that was finding his way, he was a reserved young man, and my initial thought was this is not for you this industry will eat you up being that shy as this industry you must stand for yourself!”
But he proved quickly that determination runs deep.
“Haitham completed the program end of May and he received his license; he understood that he would require more training and we always tell them the MELT program is high school you need to now take it to the professional level of training which he did.”
CHET helped place him with a highway carrier, and he took off.
“Haitham wanted to run the highway so we found a great position at a highway company where he was successful for over a year… the only reason he left them to become an owner operator.”
Today, he’s been an O/O for almost a year. Sandra says:
“To see this accomplishment again reminds me why I am doing this… with Haitham being a young man and setting such high goals it shows that with hard work determination you can succeed and also having a good mentor.”
And she adds:
“He did not take a chance he went in with the expectations of succeeding and you will with a growth mindset you will and that is what we here at CHET what to see.”
Viktoriya: New Skills, New Confidence, Big Opportunities
Viktoriya first turned to trucking when her previous industry shut down:
“During the Covid time my Videography Industry was frozen… I realized that I would like to have a more stable job and Transportation seemed to me as one of the greatest options!”
Sandra describes how far she was willing to go to improve:
“When she arrived she was willing to learn we spent another 40 hours with her to teach the extra components that are required to inspect, dock training and placing the trailer into very tight places… taught the use of the engine brake, and how to slide tandems properly.”
Today, she’s thriving:
“Viktoryia is operating in the city hauling dry van trailers and will be operating in the container division very soon.”
And she’s proud of her progress:
“Being promoted to Montreal Container division dedicated lines.”
When asked where the industry is heading, she says:
“I am seeing more and more talented and professional women driving and getting into the Heavy Equipment industries. This is great! Women deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication!”
And why Musket stands out:
“Opportunities! New ways to make money! Personal and professional growth! Safety first! Plenty of training to grow your skills.”
Donna followed her family’s path:
“I followed in my father’s footsteps. My stepfather’s footsteps. I just love the freedom of the highway….”
Her proudest moment takes us back decades:
“They made a film of recognizing all the women truck drivers in Quebec… There was over 35 of us back in those days… Proud to be one of the women truck drivers.”
On how the industry evolved for women:
“The trucking industry has changed a lot for women when I first started 40 years ago… now we’re more recognized that, you know what we can handle and do the job just as good as a man does.”
On Musket:
“You guys give us the opportunity to grow with you… We have a choice and that makes it a good company for me.”
And her advice:
“Come aboard, it ain’t all that hard. If you’re afraid you know what? There’s always somebody there willing to help you out. Don’t be shy ask questions.”
Nathan: Passion, Persistence, and the Owner-Operator Dream
Nathan’s trucking roots run deep:
“My grandfather… drove for Schneider from about 89 to about 2007… I’ve always kind of been into trucking because of him mainly.”
He chose CHET after research:
“Based on Google and based kind of on what I’ve done, my research was CHET… one of the best schools in the GTA, in my opinion.”
What made CHET different for him:
“They go in-depth, they don’t just teach you to just pass a test… It’s all one-on-one.”
And he speaks highly of their ongoing support:
“Absolutely. They’re an open door… Anytime I come in, they always ask how I’m doing, anything I need help with… Despite my experience so far, I always still come back and still inquire.”
Today he’s living the dream many drivers aim for:
“It is well worth it… it’s basically complete total freedom… a pride in having your own truck.”
And he’s not stopping:
“I do eventually want to grow a small fleet of trucks either under the LandStar system or on my own.”
Chauntel: Following Her Mother’s Lead into a New Future
Chauntel’s start came from family inspiration:
“I’ve worked in many industries and decided to follow my Mom’s lead and become a truck driver.”
Why she chose CHET:
“They’re a well-established, accredited, and highly recommended company with instructors that have many years of invaluable experience and loads of wisdom to learn from.”
Why she stayed:
“Everyone is very helpful, friendly, and professional.”
And how her path led straight to Musket:
“I’m glad I chose CHET and very grateful to have been subsequently hired on by Musket in the City Trailer division when I first started.”
Today, she’s hauling interprovincial containers and still growing:
“I’ve recently trained to do B-Trains with Robert from CHET and again, his insights and expertise are worth more than money could ever buy.”
Celebrating the Road Ahead
CHET grads aren’t just finding jobs, they’re finding careers, confidence, and momentum. Their stories speak for themselves:
“The sky is the limit.”
“It feels surreal.”
“Opportunities!”
“One of the best schools in the GTA.”
“So grateful for the team at CHET.”
And Musket is proud to welcome drivers who bring passion, resilience, and heart to the road.