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We can't expect to conjure up trained vehicle technicians and engineers from thin air
Page 42
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i Few working in the logistics industry would deny that we are currently experiencing a serious shortage of qualified HGV drivers, particularly in the south of England. More than ever before, we have to offer more attractive employment packages in order to employ and, crucially, retain, enough drivers. The impact this is having on us as an industry is massive, and as a consequence we are all rightly focusing our efforts on driver recruitment.
But what if there were no vehicles available for the drivers we do have? The current lack of skilled vehicle technicians and engineers to maintain and service our vehicle fleets is every bit as important an issue as driver shortages. Indeed, without roadworthy vehicles to drive, the scarcity of drivers becomes a far less significant problem.
In addressing the issue, I think the first thing we need to look at is why we are experiencing this shortage of vehicle technicians. Is this industry not attractive to them and if not, why not? The majority of larger logistics operators have in-house workshops, or rely on manufacturers' facilities—few of which could be described as quiet, so there is certainly not a shortage of work.
Moreover, there are depots located across the country, so the need for vehicle technicians is not localised to one or two particular regions—there is demand everywhere.
So perhaps we need to think about whether the employment packages we offer are good enough. In the same way that we are all developing the employment benefits for drivers, maybe we should also be offering more attractive packages to our vehicle technicians. Treat existing vehicle technicians and engineers well and it follows that more will be encouraged to join the industry.
But the crux of the matter is training, or the lack of it. As an industry, we can't expect to conjure up trained vehicle technicians and engineers from thin air—it takes four years to train a vehicle technician to the required standard. I firmly believe that it is down to us to develop and provide on-the-job training and the support schemes to attract both trained vehicle technicians from other industries and apprentices who are entirely new to the job.
At Gist, we are continuing with our apprentice programme at several of our largest depots, from Thatcham to Hemel Hempstead and we have recruited six young apprentices. Each is receiving comprehensive on-site training, as well as attending day-release courses at local colleges to further develop their knowledge. Setting up and running the programme has demanded a significant investment of both time and money, but it is already bearing fruit. All six of our apprentices are showing real promise. The ultimate aim of the programme is for them to reach the position of workshop manager or beyond and, to this end, we will also develop their management skills.
What I would really like to see is support from the government for a centrally-funded apprentice scheme that would offer an incentive to vehicle technicians to join our industry and give all of us access to the skills bank that we need.