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With an anticipated 45,000 skilled driver deficit looming in the not so distant future, the potential impact on the transportation industry at all levels must be addressed now. Whether you are an independent owner driver or the HR manager of a large fleet, the massive changes ahead caused by Brexit will likely be felt soon. However, although this issue can be seen as an industry-wide headache, it also has the potential to be beneficial and quite lucrative if tackled correctly. Key experts from a variety of fields are recommending a more creative approach to encouraging, training and retaining a future generation of highly skilled transportation workers. Engaging the Next Generation This year’s Microlise Transport Conference will tackle these issues head-on with a variety of key speakers offering advice on how to approach the problem in an effective and creative way. Beverly Bell, Chair of TH!NK Logistics LTD, will discuss the importance of engaging and attracting the next generation into the transport and logistics industry. She will discuss both the barriers that may be met as well as the active role that hauliers and even owner drivers can play in overcoming those barriers. New Direction Colonel Lee Daley will introduce the many benefits of actively recruiting former military personnel for positions in logistics, transport and supply chain space. Coming from a unique history in logistics, Colonel Daley understands the key skills that are needed in the sector. Former military individuals have numerous transferable skills, and it is also an important humanitarian effort to support their process of readjusting to civilian life and providing them career opportunities with a real future. Individuals should be introduced to the idea of having a place within transport and logistics companies, but also look towards the possibility of ultimately becoming an owner driver. A Leap of Faith Luke Vernon, driver, blogger and YouTube superstar, speaks about his firsthand struggles to get a job as an inexperienced driver. Encouraging companies to take a chance on first-time drivers, especially owner driver operators, Vernon believes that businesses will gain a highly skilled, motivated and loyal driver in the end. Vernon suggests that haulage companies can expand and improve their businesses by investing in young workers with an eye towards encouraging tenure and long-term employee retention. The Trailblazer LGV Apprenticeship The Deputy of Policy at the RHA, Colin Snape, will introduce the outline for the Trailblazer LGV Apprenticeship and will discuss how hauliers can benefit from it when recruiting new talent. The apprenticeship program could also reshape the potential of becoming an owner driver for many already in the field. In response to the upcoming shortage, Mr. Snape will discuss the importance of skills training and ways of attracting people to the Trailblazer LGV Apprenticeship. The impact of Brexit is yet to be fully realised; however, the initial hurdles that it will create for the transport and logistics industry need to be addressed now. This panel of key experts will be invaluable guidance for the sector, and will help us come out the other side better equipped and solidly grounded for future growth. Even an independent owner driver will feel the impact, but – if approached correctly – could still find lucrative growth and potential when cultivating a team of highly skilled and trained employees. Regardless of the extent of the driver shortage, it is sure to require an industry-wide effort to fill and ultimately enhance the workforce. Author Plate Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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