Peace River School Division has received two Class 1 driving simulators for the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy. Driver Trainers are testing the units over the summer, and Driving Academy students will begin using them in the Fall.

The simulators were built by Virage Simulation, a Quebec-based manufacturer. One is a stationary unit that will remain set up in a classroom space at Central Operations building in Grimshaw. The second is a smaller, mobile unit that will travel to schools across the Division so students can train on-site.

The simulators will allow students to practice operating a Class 1 vehicle before training on the road. Learners can work on shifting a non-synchronized transmission, respond to road hazards, and drive in conditions such as snow, sun glare, and mountain grades. Virage reports that learners pick up shifting about 2.5 times faster on its simulators than in a real truck.

Simulator training is one component of the Division's Youth Commercial Driver Pathway. The pathway is funded by a $958,532 Industry Advancement Grant from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, announced in April.

The North Peace Commercial Driving Academy opened in June 2024. It offers Class 1, Class 3, Air Brakes, and Class 2S training to both PRSD students and adults.

Now Hiring

The Division is hiring for two positions supporting the Collegiate School and North Peace Commercial Driving Academy:

• Instructor, Collegiate Trades Program – Heavy Duty Technician: a full-time position developing and delivering introductory Heavy Duty Technician instruction and airbrakes training for junior and senior high students, and helping build the Collegiate Trades Program.
• Full-Time Term Administrative Clerk: a two-year term position, commencing September 1, 2026, managing student registration, instructor scheduling, industry partnerships, and program communications.

Both positions are funded through the specific grant funding received from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and each competition remains open until a suitable candidate is found. Qualified applicants can forward a resume and references to Carolynn Fraser, CPA, CGA, Director of Business Services, at fraserc@prsd.ab.ca, or apply through ApplyToEducation.

To learn more about the North Peace Commercial Driving Academy, visit northpeacedrivingacademy.ca.