Young drivers could solve shortage

Youngsters, some as young as 10, could provide a long-term solution to the UK’s lack of lorry drivers which estimates put at more than 40,000 vacancies.

Indeed, industry leading bodies, such as the Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association, are highlighting the skills shortage in the logistics industry as more people leave the profession than joint it.

The scarcity is being caused by not enough new entrants replacing an ageing truck driving workforce who are retiring.

However, trackdays believes that an alternative approach to tackle the deepening crisis is to provide youngsters with a ‘taster’ opportunity by booking a truck driving experience.

Dan Jones, operations manager at trackdays said, ‘Going on a truck driving experience could be the answer to relieve the chronic shortage of lorry drivers in the UK as it gives drivers a taste of what it’s like to handle a 480 bhp beast.

‘Even more so, it could ignite a passion for trucking driving in a youngster who is given the opportunity to climb in to the cab.

‘We have children as young as 10-years-old getting behind the wheel of an HGV, alongside an HGV instructor, and loving every second of it as they get to grips with 16 gears around a specially designed course.’

Adults can also book a truck driving experience and see if they have a natural talent for manoeuvring a giant lorry, possibly with an eye on a future career change.