Musket Transport is a company that believes in promoting diversity and inclusion within the transport industry. Recognizing that women are underrepresented in this field, Musket established the annual AZ Grant for Women to provide them with the chance to become professional truck drivers and secure potential employment opportunities.
Empowering Women in the Transport Industry
Musket is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 AZ Grant for Women, an exciting opportunity for women residing in Mississauga and Burlington to kick-start their careers in the transport industry. This grant program, offered by Musket Transport and their Private Career Training College, CHET (Commercial Heavy Equipment Training), aims to remove the financial barrier that often prevents women from entering this field.
“In my opinion, Musket’s greatest strength in owning its own Private Career College is the humanitarian factor,” states Sophia Sniegowski, Corporate Communications Officer for Musket Transport. “We are able to put forward opportunities to groups that are typically faced with financial barriers with regards to truck driver training and are not necessarily the industry’s target demographic. Unfortunately, women are a minority group within transportation and logistics so we launched our annual AZ female grant program to help usher in more women into the space.”
“The other drivers and staff truly go out of their way to assist you and everyone wants to ensure you’re operating safely, efficiently, and in good spirits.”
This unique program offers comprehensive AZ driver training at CHET, ensuring candidates receive top-notch education and hands-on experience. Upon successfully completing their training and passing the Ministry Road Test as well as Musket’s Carrier Road Test, participants will be eligible for employment as commercial drivers with Musket Transport
Shira Kates, a past recipient of the AZ Grant for Women, shares her inspiring story: “I’m very grateful to Musket and CHET for their generosity in awarding me their AZ grant for women in 2022. The opportunity allowed me to break out of a career I felt stuck in – after 10 years in religious non-profits, I felt like my resume was immediately passed over any time I tried to branch out. Musket looked past my narrow training background and welcomed me into their school and fleet.”
Expanded Opportunities
In 2024, thanks to CHET’s expansion into Burlington, Musket will be offering two grants—one for a candidate residing in Mississauga and another for a candidate residing in Burlington. This expansion increases the reach to even more aspiring female drivers and provide them with the necessary skills and support to excel in their careers.
“Thanks to CHET’s expansion into Burlington, we will offer two grants in 2024, one to a woman residing in Mississauga and one in Burlington,” announced Sniegowski. “It’s important to us to connect with local organizations such as shelters, so that those who don’t have the economic means to fund AZ training are aware of this opportunity.”
Applications for the AZ Grant for Women residing in Mississauga will open on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, and close on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024. The winner will be announced on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8th, 2024. On the same day, applications for the grant for women residing in Burlington will also open, marking the celebration of the expanded grant, and close on May 5th, 2024.
“Musket Transport is one amazing company,” stated Sandra G, CHET Operations Manager, “to put out a grant program to train a lady to become a truck driver along with a job placement opportunity to start their career as a professional truck driver for Musket. CHET has more than 179 years’ collective experience in professional trucking within their instructors and management. The instructors teach with passion and want all students to become professional drivers once they leave CHET so they are successful in their careers and are safe on the road with the motoring public.”
Paving the Way for Inclusivity
Musket and CHET want to encourage all women who aspire to thrive in the transport industry to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Whether candidates are seeking a career change or looking to enter the industry for the first time, the AZ Grant for Women can help them achieve their goals.
“The entire team feels like a big family,” continued Kates in regards to her experience after receiving the grant. “The other drivers and staff truly go out of their way to assist you and everyone wants to ensure you’re operating safely, efficiently, and in good spirits. The financial security and confidence I’ve gained driving with Musket impressed family and friends who were skeptical when I began, and I was even lucky enough to meet my husband through this job. I would absolutely encourage any woman who feels stuck in their life to apply for this grant when it’s next available.”
Together, CHET and Musket Transport hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse transport industry.
Learn more about funding options here.