CHET (Commercial Heavy Equipment Training), in partnership with Musket Transport, is proud to announce Yaidelin Garbey Arencibia as the recipient of the 2026 AZ Grant for Women.
The annual grant removes the financial barriers to obtaining a commercial AZ driver's licence and helps open the door to a stable, rewarding career in the transportation industry. The program provides full funding for manual AZ driver training at CHET, along with the opportunity for successful graduates to pursue employment with Musket Transport as professional commercial drivers.
Garbey Arencibia was selected following a competitive application process and evaluation by a panel of judges including Sophia Sniegowski Begidzhanov (Musket's Corporate Communications Officer), Pornruth Sirimuang (previous AZ Grant recipient and Musket driver), Sandra Graham (CHET Operations Manager), Mensur Xhemajli (Musket Driver Manager), and Anthony Dyal (Musket Fleet Manager).
"We all agreed that Yaidelin was the right candidate for this year's grant," said Sniegowski Begidzhanov. "She arrived prepared and early for her interview, demonstrated real-world experience delivering goods in her own vehicle, and has clearly thought through the realities of building a career as a professional driver. Her goal of becoming a long-haul cross-border driver shows both ambition and dedication to the profession."
Originally from Cuba, Garbey Arencibia immigrated to Canada in 2011 and has been working as a driver since 2014, delivering flowers and other goods using her pickup truck. She brings extensive driving experience with both manual and automatic vehicles, along with a strong work ethic and passion for the road.
"I love driving," Garbey Arencibia said in her application. "Becoming a commercial truck driver will bring me financial stability and personal satisfaction. It will be a dream come true and something that will make my family proud, both my children here in Canada and my family back home in Cuba."
With her children now more independent, Garbey Arencibia says she is ready to fully commit to the next stage of her career.
The AZ Grant for Women reflects CHET and Musket Transport's ongoing commitment to supporting women entering the transportation industry and addressing labour shortages in the skilled trades. By investing in new drivers and expanding opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated field, the program continues to help build a stronger and more inclusive workforce.
Garbey Arencibia will begin her training at CHET later this year as she takes the first step toward her goal of becoming a professional long-haul driver.