The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions are pleased to inform farmers that the extension application from the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), as part of the new Class 1 driver's licence training requirements, is now available on the Alberta Transportation website. Agriculture workers looking to obtain a Class 1 driver's licence may apply for the extension between March 15 to November 30, 2019. Successful applicants granted the extension have until March 1, 2020 to comply with MELT requirements.
Farmers and agriculture workers looking to obtain a Class 1 driver's licence are encouraged to refer to the attached documents that further detail the application process for the one-year extension. Agriculture workers who have obtained a Class 1 driver's licence between October 11, 2018 and February 28, 2019 are also encouraged to refer to these documents as there's imperative information regarding the MELT transition period of which this time-frame pertains to.
Upon hearing farmers' concerns on the new-MELT implementation date of March 1, 2019, the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions as part of Team Alberta fought hard for this extension from the Government of Alberta. The unintended consequences of the March 1 timing for the MELT program were concerning for seeding this year’s crop. MELT requires over 100 hours of training, and the current capacity to administer the program will take time to meet the surge in demand across the province.
MELT Class 1 Driver's License Agriculture Sector Extension
Extension Application Form for Agriculture Workers
Agricultural Sector Stakeholder Message from Alberta Transportation
If farmers require clarification or more information please contact Shannon Sereda, Government Relations and Policy Manager with Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions at ssereda@albertawheatbarley.com or 403-219-6263.
Farmers can also find more information on the Alberta Transportation website.
Source : Alberta Wheat Commission