Attracting new talent

DRIVERS

Opening the debate on lack of new drivers in the UK.

As reported in our article “Disappearing Drivers” from October 2016, the UK desperately needs more truckers. Not much has changed since then, with fewer young people choosing to obtain their HGV licence than ever before. It seems likely the pool of professional drivers will continue to decrease, so we asked for your ideas on what may be stopping youngsters from taking up a life behind the wheel.


Drivers and non-drivers alike were eager to offer their opinions on the decreasing interest in the trucking profession. Our recent Facebook post generated an animated and thought-provoking response. This article shares some of the main thoughts raised and we encourage you to add your own views in the comments section below.

Public perception.

Many people feel that a poor public perception of drivers may be discouraging newbies from considering a driving career. Comments from current drivers really capture how many driving professionals feel about their public image, with thoughts such as ‘Everyone is after us, no one likes us’. One even went so far as to say ‘the general public see us as nothing but a hindrance, too big, too slow, always in their way’. Others suggest that lack of awareness and appreciation of the importance of drivers means that they often go undervalued and underappreciated. This contributes to the widespread view that potential talent is being put off driving simply by prejudice surrounding the job role.

Training costs.

Even for those unphased by public opinion, it seems there may still be other issues. The high cost of training and licencing was the most frequently mentioned reason for lack of interest in being a driver.  With the price of a HGV licence and CPC reaching well into the thousands, it seems financing a career as a truck driver simply may not be possible even for those interested. Frequently new drivers are forced to fund this mandatory training themselves, and with the government requirement of renewing CPCs every 5 years, some suggest that this may lead to new talent being costed out of the profession.

 



Financial incentives.

The financial implications aren’t just confined to training either, and some people seemed to feel that low wages and long hours may be further reducing driving interest. Those already driving at a professional level commented that low pay-levels may not be offering enough incentive to new blood, and when combined with ‘the unsociable hours’ may help explain the reduced interest in the occupation.

Life on the road.

Perhaps the most enthusiastic responses within the discussion came from those highlighting driver living conditions as a further factor influencing new talent. The simple practicalities and comfort of road life are suggested to be one of the most important considerations for potential drivers of all ages. There was a resounding call for businesses to prioritise driver comfort and retention, in the belief that this may help encourage interest in trucking as a whole.

What does the future hold?

The industry has recognised that action needs to be taken to attract new talent. There are a number of schemes to promote driving jobs and support those undertaking training, such as Think Logistics, the brainchild of Steve Granite of Abbey Logistics and sponsored by the FTA, which works to promote logistics careers within schools and colleges.

Have your say.

What more could be done to attract and support trainee drivers?

Read the full Facebook discussion and join in HERE

Or let us know your thoughts on this issue by commenting below!

 

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