The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the Welsh Government has responded to its calls for support with the announcement of a significant investment in driver training.

FTA is at the Logistics Careers Fair at Maindy Barracks in Cardiff today to promote jobs in the sector, which has a serious skills shortage.  It’s estimated that around 45,000 professional drivers are needed to fill vacancies across the country.

FTA, along with Tandem Transport Services, John Raymond Transport and Owens, has been lobbying the Department for Work and Pensions and the Welsh Government for funding for driver licence acquisition since an initial meeting with DWP in July.

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will train up to 180 unemployed people as lorry drivers and FTA attended today’s careers fair to kick-start the process by encouraging people to apply via Jobcentre Plus. FTA’s representatives also talked to visitors about the diverse careers available within the sector.

Sally Gilson, FTA’s Skills Policy Development Manager, said: “This is the culmination of months of lobbying by FTA for investment in training and we are pleased that the Welsh Government recognises the importance of the freight industry.

“The money it is providing will help to fill the gap, but we continue to press central Government for investment in training to help tackle this crisis.”

Geraint Davies, Fleet Manager of John Raymond Transport, said: “This careers fair is an excellent platform to raise awareness of the driver shortage issue that the industry currently faces and of the career opportunities available in the sector. The FTA has been at the forefront of this campaign and brought the Welsh Government funding to fruition.”

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