That’s according to the Freight Transport Association, which is criticising the chancellor for failing to address these problems in his autumn statement earlier this week (25 November).
The FTA was hoping that George Osborne would announce government funding to help plug the skills gap. It says an estimated 45,000 qualified drivers are needed to in the UK and, with training costing up to £3,000, it warns the situation will only worsen.
Skills minister Nick Boles rejected a proposal for driver training standards earlier this year so, says the FTA, the chancellor’s plans for three million more apprentices by 2020 are irrelevant for the transport sector.
Sally Gilson, FTA skills development manager, says: “The average age of a professional lorry driver is 52 and the freight industry is desperate to engage with young people. There must be a route available for people wanting a career as a driver – without access to apprenticeships, this issue will only be exacerbated.”
She adds: “With an apprenticeship for HGV drivers post 2017 still in the balance, it seems as though the chancellor expects large companies to fund apprenticeships that they may not be able to provide, unless the skills minister reverses his earlier decision to reject HGV apprenticeships.”
The key requirement, she says, is that the Advanced 24+ loan – being extended to 19-23 year old – must also cover Level 2 qualifications to open this up to HGV tests.
FTA is also calling on the government to give more support to the sector to achieve decarbonisation, following the publication of a report this week by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).
The CCC report covers the period 2028-2032 and sets out challenges for all sectors, including freight, to contribute towards the UK’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
More effort is needed to move towards alternative and low-carbon technologies, admits Rachael Dillon, FTA’s climate change policy manager, but “the industry needs support and incentives now to start making the switch. Infrastructure and added costs are presenting a real barrier for operators looking at alternatives to diesel.”
The CCC report supports efforts to reduce road freight emissions through driver training, and better routing and scheduling.
Alongside operational measures, in the long term the CCC highlights opportunities for electric, gas and hydrogen fuel cell HGVs.
To see the CCC report, click the link below.