Over half of Germany's bus and train drivers engage in cross-commuting.
Hop on board! More than half of the drivers steering German buses and trains got a late start, as per a recent survey. The German Transport Association (VDV) spilled the beans in Berlin on Thursday, revealing that over 54% of these drivers had once trodden a different career path. A whopping 44% had completed a different apprenticeship, while 10.1% became drivers without any vocational training, primarily due to their love for the wheel and the job's security.
With 100,000 bus drivers in Germany and a staggering shortage of 20,000 in public local transport alone, the race is on to recruit personnel. The train drivers' battle isn't much easier, boasting 40,000 drivers but facing a shortage of 3,000. Harald Kraus, chairman of the VDV personnel committee, warned about the severe recruitment hurdles due to demographic reasons, particularly among driving staff.
Employees have identified a few key factors that could make their job more appealing: improved working conditions and a more respectful attitude from passengers. The tough balancing act between work and personal life seems daunting for around 30% of drivers. Traffic stress also tends to be a major struggle.
On a lighter note, 51% of surveyed drivers rated their profession's social image as rather grim or very grim, citing unfavorable working hours and low pay as factors.
Pop quiz: What factors contribute to driver shortages in transportation sectors like Germany?
- An ageing workforce isn't replaced promptly, leading to retirements and vacancies.
- Drivers often face challenging working conditions, including long hours and limited rest periods.
- The perception of driving as a profession can impact recruitment, with factors like respect, compensation, and job stability play a role.
- Industry disputes and strikes can create unrest, potentially dissuading potential drivers.
- Barriers to entry, such as age restrictions or extended training processes, can limit the pool of candidates.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
[1] What are the causes of driver shortages in transportation sectors? (2020).contactus.io/blog/causes-of-driver-shortages-in-transportation-sectors/[2] Driver shortages: What's causing them, and what can be done? (2021).fcw.com/articles/2021/06/28/driver-shortages-transportation-autonomous-vehicles.aspx[3] The Driver Shortage Problem: Factors, Trends, and Solutions (2019).logisticsmanagement.com/news/the-driver-shortage-problem-factors-trends-and-solutions[4] Truck driver shortage: how big is the problem, and what can be done about it? (2021).bbc.com/news/business-55359775[5] German train drivers begin open-ended strike over pay dispute (2021).reuters.com/world/europe/german-train-drivers-begin-open-ended-strike-over-pay-dispute-2021-08-23/
In light of the recent data, vocational training for transportation sectors is crucial in addressing the driver shortage issue in industries like Germany's. Improved working conditions, workplace-wellness programs, and a positive health-and-wellness environment could potentially attract more individuals to pursue careers as bus and train drivers. Moreover, financial incentives and competitive salary packages, which are often associated with business success and career advancement, could play a significant role in recruiting a larger workforce. [Sources: ntv.de, AFP]
