New report: Work-integrated learning critical to Canada’s innovation economy, youth employment
OTTAWA, ON (September 17, 2025) — A new report confirms what many in the trucking and logistics sector already know: financial support for hiring students through work placements delivers measurable benefits — for employers, for students, and for Canada’s economy.
Read the full report to learn more.
The report, THRC Driving Futures: Opening Doors for Youth Through Student Work Placements, outlines the national impact of the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) in our sector. This federal initiative provides funding to help post-secondary students gain valuable, hands-on experience through paid work terms, and Canadian businesses the capacity to grow.
“We know how important this program is for both students who want work-integrated learning opportunities, and for trucking and logistics companies to access a pipeline of new workers,” says Angela Splinter, CEO, THRC. “But it goes further — supporting Canada’s ambitious plans for economic growth requires building the workforce that will power the supply chain and strengthen our country’s ability to compete globally.”
Since 2021, THRC has:
- Disbursed more than $8,000,000 to support trucking and logistics employers
- Placed 1,670 students
- Supported more than 250 trucking employers
- Delivered on a strong record of national job creation as many positions would not be created without this funding
More than 93% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience and 87% felt better prepared to find a job in their chosen field after graduation. Among employers, 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with their student hires’ performance, with 82% indicating they would consider hiring the student for future employment.
The report highlights how paid placements, which are delivered under THRC’s Career ExpressWay program, not only equip students with practical, job-ready skills, but also strengthen the capacity of Canadian businesses to grow and innovate. The result is a stronger, more competitive trucking and logistics workforce.
Trucking HR Canada is the recognized national authority on workforce strategy for the trucking and logistics sector. We’re a non-profit centre of excellence, engaging with employers, governments, think tanks, industry groups, and stakeholders.
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