Road Transport Training Centre (CFTR)

Name

Road Transport Training Centre (CFTR)

Legal name

Centre de formation du transport routier de Saint-Jérôme

Website

https://cftr.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Driver Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)

Keywords

• Vocational truck driving training
• Heavy vehicle mechanics education
• Commercial driver licensing
• Bus driving certification
• Road transport training

Headquarters

HQ city

Mirabel, Quebec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Vocational Training (DEP/AEP Tuition): As a public vocational training center under the Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord, CFTR's primary revenue derives from Quebec Ministry of Education funding for DEP and AEP programs. Student tuition fees are minimal ($43.70–$210.90) as the province subsidizes vocational training costs. Revenue covers instructional costs, facilities, and equipment maintenance.
2. PESR Class 1 Training Fees: The PESR Class 1 program is a full-cost recovery program at $11,200 per candidate, payable in 5 installments. Accelerated pathways for Class 2/3 license holders cost ~$6,050. This is a direct, fee-for-service revenue stream for CFTR's continuing education and business services division.
3. Continuing Education and Business Services (SAE): The Service aux entreprises (SAE) develops and delivers custom training for transport companies, including driving courses, cargo handling, regulations, and mechanical training. Revenue is generated through per-course fees ranging from $25 to $1,750 per person, with custom corporate contracts also available.
4. Professional Certification Exam Fees: CFTR administers mandatory certification examinations for school transport, paid passenger transport, and preventive maintenance programs. Fees include $130 for basic school transport, $80 for renewal, $150 for paid passenger basic training, and $813 for the preventive maintenance (PEP) program.
5. Employer Job Posting and Recruitment Services: CFTR operates an employer portal allowing transport companies to post job and internship openings targeted at current students and graduates. Offers are published for 60 days. This supports the work-study model and generates modest referral/sponsorship revenue from employer partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CFTR is a Quebec provincial vocational training center that delivers accredited programs for road transport trades. Its core offerings are three diploma/attestation programs — DEP Transport par camion (615 hours), DEP Mécanique de véhicules lourds routiers (1,800 hours), and AEP Conduite d'autobus (330 hours) — plus a continuing education division (Service aux entreprises) delivering SAAQ-mandated licensing and certification courses such as PESR Class 1, school transport certificates, paid passenger transport training, preventive maintenance (PEP), and lifting equipment operator training.

Product overview

CFTR operates as a vocational training center offering a comprehensive portfolio of road transport programs. The core offerings include three main diplomas: DEP Transport par camion (truck driving, 615 hours), DEP Mécanique de véhicules lourds routiers (heavy vehicle mechanics, 1,800 hours), and AEP Conduite d'autobus (bus driving, 330 hours). These are supplemented by specialized continuing education modules including PESR Classe 1 (road safety education for Class 1 license), transport de marchandises courses (cargo securing, load standards, dangerous goods), transport de personnes par autobus training, and occupational certificates for school transport, lifting equipment operation, and preventive maintenance. Delivery modalities include traditional in-person training at multiple regional sites across Quebec, distance learning via Teams, and work-study (alternance) programs with employer partners. The center also operates the Caroule/Lära LMS platform for online certification courses in school transport and paid passenger transport.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DEP Transport par camion Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in truck transport, a 615-hour program over 5 months covering 10 competencies including basic driving techniques, trip planning, loading/unloading, and workplace integration. Designed for individuals seeking a Class 1 commercial driver's license and entry into the road transport industry.
• DEP Mécanique de véhicules lourds routiers (MVLR) Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in heavy road vehicle mechanics, an 1,800-hour program over 17 months covering 24 competencies including preventive maintenance, diagnostic repair, brake/hydraulic systems, engine troubleshooting, electrical systems, diesel engine maintenance, automatic transmission service, and 30 hours of electric vehicle training. Targets aspiring heavy vehicle mechanics.
• AEP Conduite d'autobus Attestation of Vocational Studies (AEP) in bus driving, a 330-hour program over 3 months preparing students for Class 2 driving licenses. Covers urban transit, school transport, inter-city transport, charter transport, and adapted transport sectors. For individuals seeking employment as bus drivers.
• PESR Classe 1 (Road Safety Education Program) SAAQ-mandated road safety education program for Class 1 license consisting of 75 hours of theory and 50 hours of practical training (125 hours total). Accelerated pathways available for Class 2 and 3 license holders. Full-cost recovery at $11,200 per candidate, payable in 5 installments. For individuals seeking Class 1 commercial licensing.
• Formation en transport rémunéré de personnes par automobile Mandatory SAAQ-required training for paid passenger transport (taxi, ride-hailing/Uber) consisting of 6 online modules with a 75% passing rate requirement. Advanced training available for transporting persons with disabilities. Attestation valid 3 years. For individuals seeking authorized driver permits for taxi and ride-hailing.
• Certificat de compétence en transport scolaire School transport certification required for driving school buses, including basic training ($130), refresher renewal training ($80), and sedan training for van transport of students. Certificates valid for 3 years. Online self-paced format. For individuals conducting school transport under Quebec's Transport Act.
• Reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences (RAC) Recognition of prior learning program allowing experienced drivers to obtain diplomas by validating their existing competencies. Candidates must hold a valid Class 1 license and demonstrate significant driving experience. For experienced drivers seeking formal DEP credentials.
• Formation en équipements de levage (chariot élévateur) Lifting equipment operator training covering forklifts (indoor/outdoor), group A and B platforms, and overhead cranes. Includes 49-hour comprehensive course ($1,470/person) and 8-10 hour refresher training ($280). On-site custom training available. Free training available through Services-Québec provincial agreement. For workers and operators requiring lifting equipment certification.
• Programme d'entretien préventif (PEP) Preventive maintenance program training ($813/person) for mechanics to obtain SAAQ-required certification for maintaining heavy vehicles (7,258 kg+ GVW). Includes 60-minute qualification exam (70% pass required) and practical certification. PEP certification exempts vehicle owners from mandatory periodic mechanical inspection. For heavy vehicle mechanics.
• Formation en transport de marchandises Continuing education courses for goods transport including cargo securing, load standards (norms of charges and dimensions, $195/person online), dangerous goods handling, shuttle truck driving ($1,750/person), Class 1 theoretical training for T endorsement ($1,000/person), and level-up training (9 hours practical at no cost, Services-Québec funded). For employers and workers in goods transport.
• Formation en transport de personnes par autobus Continuing education for bus transport covering driving hours and rest regulations (4 hours, $175/person), vehicle evaluation policies, safety rounds, and preventive driving techniques. Custom corporate training available. For transport companies and bus drivers needing regulatory compliance training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 300 truck and trailer training units provide hands-on practical experience across diverse vehicle configurations
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CAMO-RoutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAMO-Route is a key institutional partner for CFTR. CFTR and its sister center CFTC collaborate with CAMO-Route on work-study (ATE) programs, having deployed over 10 cohorts annually since 2018. CAMO-Route is mandated by the SAAQ for PEP training diffusion. CFTR and CAMO-Route also partner on initiatives such as the 'Conductrice de camions – Objectif 10%' project to increase female representation in the transport industry, and jointly produced a pink trailer to promote women's place in the sector.
• Association du camionnage du Québec (ACQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFTR serves as the official trainer for the Association du camionnage du Québec (ACQ). CFTR develops and delivers training programs specifically for ACQ members, including mandatory regulatory courses. The ACQ logo appears on CFTR's partner page, indicating a formal institutional partnership.
• Centre de formation en transport de Charlesbourg (CFTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFTC is CFTR's sister provincial center in Charlesbourg (Quebec City area), also established by the Ministry of Education in 1976. Together, CFTR and CFTC form Quebec's two provincial road transport training centers. The two centers collaborated on the 50th anniversary campaign, including a joint branded anniversary trailer. They share best practices and coordinate on national-level training standards.
• Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-NordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFTR is operated by the Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord, the public school board that owns and governs the center. The school board provides administrative, HR, financial, and legal infrastructure. CFTR's website is hosted on the school board's SharePoint intranet (csrdn.sharepoint.com) and uses the school board's IT systems including Microsoft 365 and Teams for online training delivery.
• Government of Quebec (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transport, SAAQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Government of Quebec, through multiple ministries and agencies, provides CFTR's official mandates for delivering SAAQ-required licensing programs (Class 1 PESR, school transport certificates, paid passenger driver training, PEP). The Ministry of Education funds DEP/AEP vocational training and sets curriculum standards. The Ministry of Transport co-manages the center's strategic direction through a joint management committee.
• Services Québec / Services-QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFTR collaborates with Services-Québec on workforce development initiatives. Services-Québec can direct unemployed individuals to CFTR's full-time training programs and provide financial assistance. The forklift training program is offered under Services-Québec provincial agreement #1033224-0, enabling free training for eligible participants.
• C.A.T. (Camionnage A.T.)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorC.A.T. is one of six employer partners participating in CFTR's work-study (ATE) program for the DEP Transport par camion. C.A.T. recruits, hires, and trains candidates who simultaneously enroll in CFTR's full DEP program. The arrangement allows C.A.T. to develop a pipeline of qualified drivers while providing students with paid on-the-job training.
• Danfreight Systems Inc. (DFS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanfreight Systems Inc. (DFS) is a work-study (ATE) employer partner for CFTR's DEP Transport par camion program. DFS participates in candidate selection, provides on-the-job training, and contributes to the development of workforce skills aligned with CFTR's curriculum.
• GFS (Ground Force Services)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGFS is a work-study (ATE) employer partner for CFTR's DEP Transport par camion program.
• Groupe NadeauminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroupe Nadeau is a work-study (ATE) employer partner for CFTR's DEP Transport par camion program.
• Groupe MorneauminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroupe Morneau is a work-study (ATE) employer partner for CFTR's DEP Transport par camion program.
• Transport Hervé LemieuxminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTransport Hervé Lemieux is a work-study (ATE) employer partner for CFTR's DEP Transport par camion program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Roadmaster Drivers School: Roadmaster Drivers School is a US nationwide CDL training provider operating across multiple states, offering Class A CDL programs and trucking training. Directly comparable to CFTR's PESR Class 1 and DEP Transport par camion offerings in commercial driving vocational education.
• 160 Driving Academy: 160 Driving Academy is a US-based commercial driver license (CDL) training school network with multiple locations, offering Class A CDL programs comparable to CFTR's PESR Class 1 truck driving program. Direct competitor in commercial vehicle driver education.
• SAGE Truck Driving Schools: SAGE Truck Driving Schools is a US-based CDL training network offering Class A and Class B CDL programs with employer partnerships. Directly comparable to CFTR in commercial truck driver vocational training and work-study style employer pipelines.
• National Tractor Trailer School: National Tractor Trailer School (NTTS) is one of the oldest US CDL training schools, offering Class A CDL programs similar to CFTR's PESR Class 1 pathway. Comparable as a long-established, specialist commercial driving vocational institution.
• C.R. England Driving Academy: C.R. England operates a carrier-owned CDL training academy in the US, combining tuition-paid training with direct employment pipelines. Comparable to CFTR's ATE work-study model with C.A.T., Groupe Morneau, and other Quebec carriers.
• Centre de formation en transport de Charlesbourg (CFTC): CFTC is CFTR's sister provincial center established by the Quebec Ministry of Education in 1976 in Charlesbourg (Quebec City region). Both are the only two specialized provincial road transport training centers in Quebec, jointly celebrating their 50th anniversary and collaborating on national training standards.

Emerging players

• Schneider National CDL Training: Schneider National operates an internal CDL training program that pays candidates while training them, directly comparable to CFTR's work-study (ATE) model that integrates employer sponsorship with vocational training.
• Prime Inc. Driver Training: Prime Inc. operates a carrier-run CDL training academy with paid tuition and direct hire pipelines, similar to CFTR's ATE employer partnerships. Comparable business model in trucking recruitment and training, though integrated within a carrier operation.

Regional players

• NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology): NAIT is a Canadian polytechnic offering transport, heavy equipment, and diesel mechanic programs in Alberta. Comparable as a Canadian vocational institution offering truck and heavy vehicle trades training, though operating in a different province.
• SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology): SAIT is a Calgary-based polytechnic offering transportation, logistics, and heavy vehicle programs. Comparable as a Canadian technical institution training drivers and technicians, but operating in western Canada rather than Quebec.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAc-BxpODjNCUIg0wuxKjjw
• Facebookfacebook.com/leCFTR
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/road-transport-training-centre-cftr-
• Instagraminstagram.com/cftr_transport.mecanique/?hl=fr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Road Transport Training Centre (CFTR)