How To Be A Talent Magnet For The Next Generation Of Drivers

Given the lack of young people currently seeking a career on the roads, it's clear that the transport profession needs to think about its image and how it appeals to a new generation.

The problem of the driver shortage was recently emphasised to us in here at Navman Wireless when we conducted our Customer Insight Survey. Skills shortages and attracting talent were listed as some of the most cited worries for company management.

Transport oriented companies are struggling to recruit young drivers and with the economy growing, it is estimated that the UK needs an extra 150,000 by 2020.

In his spring Budget, Chancellor George Osborne announced: "The Government will review the speed with which Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) driving tests and driver medical assessments currently take place and will consider options to accelerate both in order to help address the shortage of qualified HGV drivers."

The Chancellor's sentiments were welcomed by the industry, but the timescale for effecting meaningful change is likely to be lengthy.

So what can companies do to entice drivers from a new generation now?

A recent list of the top 25 jobs in the UK was put together by jobs website Glassdoor and published in The Telegraph; Professional Driving did not make it onto the list. However, there are many positives to a career on the road and it's about time we all started shouting about them.

As our Infographic shows below, it's important that transport companies are clearly demonstrating the advantages of job security, opportunities for progression, working hours and the technology a driver will use.

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Remember, this new generation of potential drivers won't be afraid to embrace technology.?? Mobile apps, for example, will become more common for a multitude of things, and Generation Y/Z will accept things like vehicle tracking as the norm as they'll easily recognise the advantages that come with such systems.

A long-term solution to the driver shortage crisis is urgently needed and that strategy will need to be implemented by organisations and the authorities alike. In the meantime, however, companies can start by trying to change the perception of a career as a professional driver today by following the simple steps presented within our infographic.

If your business is looking to embrace technology and stand out from the crowd, take a look at DRIVE from Navman Wireless. This in-vehicle application gives staff the unique ability to stay connected, focused, on time and safe.

??Click here to find out more about how DRIVE can help enhance help make your fleet more efficient today.