Changes to the Transport and Logistics field desperately needed!
The skills gap which lingers in the logistics sector is not only a stark reminder that innovation is key to business growth, but also serves as a reminder that unless the transport and logistics sector can tap into the female employment market, we face a real challenge with filling the gap.
There are currently National efforts to plugs this gap and The WIL POWER project serves as a European level approach at enhancing the opportunities within this sector and encouraging businesses to hire woman, and also encouraging women into these diverse roles.
The efforts currently include attracting much-needed truck drivers, faces an uphill battle unless the industry addresses fundamental infrastructure issues such as reversing the lack of investment in truck stops and secure parking, according to Molly Watson, the UK’s youngest female CPC holder.
The 20-year-old project manager at Osborne Motor Transport in South Shields, a member of the Pallet-Track network, argues that vacancies are likely to remain unfilled because of the sector’s unattractive reputation for long hours and poor staff services.
Talking about driver shortages, one key area in need of fresh recruits, Molly, who holds her CPC in transport management, suggests many women who pass their tests don’t progress to jobs behind the wheel because of poor investment in essential hygiene factors at truck stops and service areas, an issue that also impacts management and operational roles.
“The whole industry needs to step up,” said Molly, whose family had its own transport business when she was growing up.
“Too many truck stops have closed down and not been replaced as the sector desperately needs to improve its reputation and facilities to attract both men and women.
“I don’t think I would want to be a driver in the current climate as there are too many facilities to improve, such as showers.”
Report state that women have a higher pass rate for the HGV licence test but account for fewer than nine per cent of people who take the test. Of the estimated 300,000 HGV drivers in the UK, fewer than two per cent are women.
Click here to read more:
