The Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) ‘Attract, Recruit, Retain’ summit recently held in Coventry brought together some 500 logistics industry representatives for a meeting of much-needed insight and advice. Attendees to the summit were presented with information covering multiple facets of the logistics industry, with a focus on the ongoing skills shortage. Perhaps the most important take-away of the event is that the skills shortage goes well beyond just HGV drivers.
Being short tens of thousands of drivers continues to be the most visible aspect of the crisis. But companies are equally desperate for qualified engineers, technicians, and even fleet managers. And until we can find more effective solutions, that skill shortage will only be exacerbated.
Some of the more important topics covered at the summit were:
- Recruiting Women – The logistics industry has long been dominated by men due to the nature of the work. However, companies are realising there is an untapped workforce in the large number of women looking for career positions that pay well and offer good benefits. They are adjusting recruiting efforts accordingly.
- Engaging Young People – Logistics industry representatives generally agree that we need to do a better job of engaging young people. We need to change the public perception of logistics so that young people will get a clearer understanding of just how beneficial and rewarding careers in logistics can be.
- The Calais Crisis – Unfortunately, the ongoing crisis in Calais is having an impact on driver recruiting. Experienced HGV drivers are already very hesitant to use the Calais crossing as a return point to England, so it is normal that news coverage of the crisis would impact recruiting efforts among potential new drivers. The sooner that crisis can be put to bed, the better off the logistics industry will be.
- Apprenticeship Opportunities – Apprenticeships within the logistics sector are not nearly as plentiful as in other job sectors. That needs to change. We have to find a way to develop effective apprenticeship programmes that can help us meet the problems being created by the skills shortage.
No Easy Answers
There are no easy answers to the challenges the logistics industry now faces. However, if we all do our part to address the skills shortage as effectively as possible, we can at least keep things moving forward while we search for new and better solutions. The HGV Training Centre is committed to doing our part.
The HGV Training Centre is now the significant provider of commercial driver training in the UK. We operate more than four dozen schools throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, providing PCV and HGV drivers with the training they need to pass their tests and be reliable and productive members of the workforce.
Despite the many challenges the industry faces, professional driving remains an excellent career choice for workers of all ages. We encourage you to consider joining the ranks of PCV and HGV drivers to make our economy work.
Sources:
Commercial Fleet – http://www.commercialfleet.org/news/latest-news/2016/03/18/thought-provoking-fta-summit-focuses-on-skills-shortages
