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An Ageing Industry
Page 46
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THE operating of transport by road is one of the oldest industries. Long before the era of the railways there were the pack horse and the wain for goods, and the multi-horsed coach for people, but the toll gate system and other repressive legislation delayed its progress, and it was not until the early years of the 20th Century that real progress in this sphere began to be made.
Thus, in effect, the industry is comparatively young, and most of the growth, and that at an increasing tempo, has been since the early 'twenties. The result is that many of the transport personnel have virtually grown up with it. They were the men who fought the early battles and developed most of the haulage concerns, bus companies and ancillary fleets which, much enlarged, exist today. These men, however, constitute an ageing group, and many who have not already been replaced, must soon pass on or retire. Not all will be succeeded by men of equal calibre.
This points to the urgent need for young, well-trained and otherwise efficient replacements, and herein lies the great difficulty, for such young men are scarce. The problem of supplying them is, in fact, becoming acute and is greatly exercising the minds.of many operators in the various fields which are being seriously affected.
Appropriate educational facilities are still somewhat sparse and, curiously enough, where they have been provided, full advantage is not always taken of them. Perhaps the industry itself is at fault in not sufficiently publicizing the opportunities that it can afford, or it may be that the threats of nationalization and of increasing competition 'by the railways have discouraged students. There may also be a disinclination on their part to engage in fairly long periods of training and, on the technical side, indentured apprenticeships or several years as learners. It is, however, vital to the successful future of road transport that more and growing facilities for effective training be provided, and boys and young men encouraged in every possible way to make use of them.
To the skilled many doors are open and there are great opportunities of successful and well-remunerated careers for those who are prepared to learn with enthusiasm and energy. Today there are far too many aspirants for soft jobs, perhaps with higher immediate rewards, but With fewer chances of promotion.