Solving the skills shortage 2003

In September 2001 FTA held its first Skills Conference at the ICC in Birmingham. The conference identified a series of actions and undertakings that FTA should pursue on behalf of its members to tackle the serious and growing problem of skills shortages within the transport industry.

Two years on from the beginning of FTA’s Skills Campaign the second Skills Conference took place to review the skills shortage issues and to focus on the solutions that are being put into place. Chaired by Edward Roderick, Chief Executive, Christian Salvesen and Chairman of the Road Haulage Forum Training Sub-group, the conference brought together leading industry stakeholders to debate the issues affecting the recruitment and retention of both drivers and managers.

During the summer, FTA carried out a skills survey, supported by Skills for Logistics - the developing Sector Skills Council for freight logistics, to help inform the debate. The survey indicated that the vast majority of companies in the transport and distribution sector are experiencing problems recruiting key staff. This situation is worrying, bearing in mind the challenges the industry faces over the next few years with changes in working hours, an ageing workforce and the backdrop of a highly competitive labour market.

The day was divided into three main sessions covering: driver recruitment and training; driver retention; and the industry’s future. Each session consisted of a series of presentations followed by a discussion forum led by the Chairman and included questions from the floor.

The Solving the skills shortage 2003 includes: Introduction Session 1 : Driver recruitment and training Session 2: Driver retention Session 3: The industry's future Conclusion FTA Skills Capmaign: issues, recommentdations and actions Delegate list

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Last updated: Fri Jul 23 09:07:35 2004