Safety Buzz tackling transportation issues in ag industry through new Wheels of Opportunity program

Courier/Commentator Photo by Anna Smith. WHEELS OF OPPORTUNITY: Dignitaries and residents gather at Safety Buzz Campus for the Wheels of Opportunity ribbon-cutting on Feb. 26.

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Safety Buzz officially launched its Wheels of Opportunity program on Feb. 26, designed to address gaps in Alberta’s agricultural transportation sector.

The program, which brings in several partners including the government of Alberta, provides up to $3,600 per participant. There is funding for up to 120 students, with some already beginning their training.

“Growing up on a farm, agriculture has always been near and dear to me, the ag industry is more than work. It’s truly a lifeline, and we all know the truth, nothing moves in ag without transportation,” said Safety Buzz co-owner Amy Zuk-Olsen. “Every harvest, every shipment, relies on a skilled driver. Today, we launched not just a program, but a chapter for our region.”

Though still in the early stages, the program has been met with strong initial momentum, with interest from students in Prairie Rose Public Schools high schools alongside adult learners for vital skills such as Class 3 driver training, air brakes certification and ag-related safety training.

PRPS superintendent Reagan Weeks expressed how this initiative puts the division’s focus on forging futures for students into action, creating real options and a clear vision of what comes next after graduation.

She praised Wheels of Opportunity for responding to a “critical shortage of commercial drivers in the agriculture sector, while opening doors for students who are interested in hands-on careers and staying connected to their local communities.”

This praise was echoed by Cypress County Mayor Dan Hamilton, who says he is grateful for the opportunity to be a partner in something so impactful to the people of the region.

Zuk-Olsen says the province has invested $960,000 to allow for the training to occur. There are 18 approved students, most of whom are in underrepresented demographics such as youth or women, with more to come. She adds Safety Buzz is looking to potentially expand the training in the future as well.

“Wheels of opportunity is building futures, strengthening communities and supporting the ag industry that feeds us all together,” said Zuk-Olsen. “We’re driving southeast Alberta forward one opportunity at a time.”