Ensure we have a diverse, skilled workforce across the whole industry now and in the future.
The skills shortage in the road transport sector is a chronic issue that continues to affect supply chains. Key roles within the workshop and driving dominate industry concerns however with an ageing workforce generally, office roles such as transport managers are also proving harder to recruit.
Our report, Lorry drivers: the vital link, highlighted the need to train 200,000 new HGV drivers over the next 5 years to maintain the driver workforce at current levels. Although the sector has benefited from HGV skills bootcamps in England to help train approximately 20,000 new drivers, this funding is coming to an end nationally and the main funded training route will be via an apprenticeship.
The technician shortage is becoming a more pressing need. In 2010 it was estimated there was a ratio of 1 technician for every 25 HGVs. Based on vehicle numbers and latest technician ONS data, this looks to be 1 for every 31 HGVs. Members already report delays in maintenance contracts and difficulties recruiting experienced technicians.
The problem is exasperated by a lack of technician training provision across the UK for both HGVs and coaches, with swathes of the UK having no heavy vehicle technician courses. Apprentices are having to complete residential courses, with accommodation costs being paid for by business.
Although RHA have been working with UK Government across departments to improve funding, resulting in a funding uplift in England, this has not been enough to increase the number the colleges offering training. With the initial cost of equipment required proving to be a barrier, without capital investment, this is unlikely to change.
The RHA is committed to working with training providers, the education sector, the Department for Work and Pensions and governments across the UK to make a career in logistics an attractive option for school leavers to provide the next generation of home-grown HGV and coach drivers, technicians, transport managers and all the other specialist roles.
Our key asks on skills are:
- The Growth and Skills Levy should offer greater flexibility in how levy funds can be utilised.
- Continuation of the HGV driver bootcamps, with equivalent courses available across all 4 nations.
- Increased funding for heavy vehicle technician apprenticeships with support for colleges and Independent Training Providers to purchase up to date equipment for training.
- Increased local skills investment in the industry
- Plan for the green skills of the future