Training is the staff of life
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THE REPORT this week from Manpower that 32 per cent of transport operators in the haulage sector will be increasing their staffing levels in the next three months is good news. Road transport operators are not given to over-staffing, so the move, if it materialises, is an indication of economic growth.
However, it appears that the labour market is not ready for the upturn. The report states that there is a shortage of skilled people available.
Whatever happened to the training agencies? The Government's Training Opportunities programme, the Road Transport Industry Training Board and the Group Training Associations must all share responsibility if a shortage exists.
There have been training courses in abundance but the report raises a question mark. Were the courses designed for future or traditional requirements? It seems that all have failed to identify what the industry would require in skilled manpower in the past recession period.
Experience demonstrates to us that there is no shortage of willing students, prepared not only to study but to pay for their tuition. We have enrolled over 1,000 CPC candidates in two years.
The Manpower report requires detailed study by the training agencies and employers. The skill shortages must be identified and suitable crash courses arranged to meet the demand.
Road transport must not be found wanting as demand increases. The industry is an essential element in economic recovery but it must be properly equipped.