New deal at the wheel
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By supporting the young hgv driver scheme which starts in September, operators can demonstrate that they view it as no mere stop-gap but a serious long-term fillip for the industry. Had the scheme been launched—as once seemed possible—in the context of severe driver shortage, it would not have earned the same backing, notably from the trade unions, as now seems likely.
Whether operators who register as young-driver trainers will enjoy a full reward for their foresight remains to be seen. At 21 the young driver will be free to choose for whom he will work; but employers in the scheme are likely to be those with good prospects to offer, and the drivers those with a level head on their shoulders. Continuity of service is likely to result.
The scheme could well reverse the familiar drift of trained men from haulage to own-account. The latter field may put many young men on sales vans and the like, but few such companies have the top-weight fleets to retain the Class 1 aspirants. These will be looking for solid haulage prospects for their final step up this welcome new ladder.