According to the latest FTA figures that have been released today, over 79% of ladies are eager to get behind the wheel of a lorry, and there is a rise in younger women wanting to take driving up as a career choice.
Swannells – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) carried out a poll on social media, asking women whether they would be willing to drive a 44-tonne truck, as currently, less than one percent of truckers are female. The results of the poll came back showing that 79 per cent of women would be prepared to drive a 44-tonne truck. As a result, the FTA are now exploring why more women aren’t coming into the industry.
Currently, in the UK there are around 315,000 registered truck drivers, but only 2,200 of those are female. Having said that, recent statistics are indicating a gender balance, and younger women wanting enter the profession is improving with 15 percent aged between 21 and 25.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Policy Development Manager says: “These figures are encouraging as it is essential that more women are recruited – currently only one per cent of HGV drivers in the UK are female.
“We believe that one of the biggest barriers for would-be truck drivers is the cost of gaining a licence and training – around £3,000. FTA has been calling on Government to provide a suitable loan system. The current Personal Career Development Loan option is not appropriate and a simple change to allow Level 2 qualifications to be included in the 19+ loan would provide the quickest and best solution.”
Solving the current shortfall of over 45,000 HGV drivers is a major campaign for the FTA, an issue that has been recognised in a Transport Select Committee report which quoted FTA evidence reflecting difficulties logistics operators face in recruiting drivers.
Swannells – General Haulage Specialists – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire
The FTA Logistics Report 2016 shows that more than 64% of truck drivers are over the age of 45 – the average as has steadily increased over the last 15 years, and it continues to do so. Filling vacancies is getting harder and harder. This has been compounded in recent years by the consequence of economic growth and the huge rise in e-commerce. Lack of funding for vocational training for drivers means fewer are joining the industry and there is a real risk that the shortage of HGV drivers could devilry impact the economy.
Swannells – Haulage Companies in Cambridgeshire
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