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Q Could you supply any information regarding entry into the commercial transport profession and the qualifications to be aimed for?

14th September 1973
Page 80
Page 80, 14th September 1973 — Q Could you supply any information regarding entry into the commercial transport profession and the qualifications to be aimed for?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

My son, 13, is at present at grammar school and due to take 0 levels in two years' time. At the end of the academic year, he has to decide on certain options at school and as he is very much interested In commercial vehicles, he wants to make them his career.

AIt is encouraging to hear of a 13-yearold youngster who is already expressing an interest in a career in haulage.. While appreciating the need for your son to make a choice of options for future studies, it is a little difficult to advise without knowing his particular bent.

If your son is good with his hands and is attracted to heavy vehicle repair and maintenance, the "practical" option which could include engineering drawing, mechanics, handicrafts or woodwork and some maths and English would make sense.

If your son wishes to make a career in transport management, then the more academic courses may be appropriate. He should certainly aim to do well at geography and economics; if there are studies involving law, local government or public service administration then these will be helpful ultimately.

Unfortunately road transport tends to be divided into two promotional "streams" which, ideally, should merge at a senior level into a "general management" category.

Boys leaving school with an engineering career in mind can seek an apprenticeship with a large firm of commercial vehicle repairers, or a large transport operating company. By taking advantage of day release and possibly evening classes young trainee mechanics can qualify for a number of skilled trades with recognizable qualifications. From this background progress to supervisory and ultimately fleet engineering responsibility depends on the personality and drive of the man concerned.

Traffic apprenticeships designed to lead to transport operational management can sometimes be arranged with large road transport concerns. The road haulage industry is currently reviewing the recruitment question with special reference to bringing youngsters into the industry at 16+ and giving them some practical training before they can legally drive particular lorry sizes.

Many drivers with 0-level qualifications have entered the industry in recent years. Progress to higher management from driving is possible but difficult without much further study of accounting principles and practice, management techniques, labour relations and the law relating to road transport, etc.

The careers master at your son's school may be able to help you both to make a wise decision; local road haulage employers should have made contact with the education world to indicate their likely future requirements.

Living where you do, European road transport operations may already have excited your son's imagination. If this is so, languages, especially French and German, should be cultivated as they will be in great demand in future.

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