Career Shifts: Over Half of Germany's Bus and Train Drivers Switch Professions
Many individuals switch career paths to become bus and train operators. - Many drivers of buses and trams often operate in multiple traffic lanes or cross paths with each other frequentlly
Hey there! You might be surprised to learn that about 54% of the nearly 140,000 bus and train drivers in Germany have swapped professions, according to a recent industry survey. That's right – less than half of them started their careers in the transport sector!
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and digital consultancy Nexum shared this data after surveying bus and train drivers. They found that an overwhelming majority of these drivers had previous careers behind them.
Recruiting Newbies
Clearly, the recruitment and onboarding processes need some tweaks to cater to this new demographic. Young adults, in particular, are keen on digital outreach and modern corporate vibes. Simplifying the acquisition of a bus driver's license and making language requirements more flexible could also help draw in fresh faces. Politically speaking, easing qualification barriers seems like a step in the right direction.
The transportation industry is dealing with a driver shortage, with around 20,000 drivers missing from the workforce. Each year, about 6,000 drivers from the bus and tram services hang up their caps and exit the scene.
A less-than-stellar image of these jobs is part of the problem. More than half of the drivers surveyed rated their profession's image as "rather negative" or "very negative," with only about 20% seeing a "rather" or "very" positive side. Passengers' lack of respect, unfavorable work hours, and low pay are common complaints.
Vocalizing appreciation and working closely with authorities can help change this narrative, according to the VDV.
While the industry in Germany is focusing on self-improvement, other European countries and the UK are taking action to tackle their own driver shortages and image problems. In the UK, for instance, the government has lowered the minimum age to become a train driver from 20 to 18, opening opportunities for the younger crowd and boosting train services. By offering apprenticeships to aspiring train drivers, the UK is providing a model for countries grappling with similar challenges.
To attract more drivers and boost the sector's image, Germany could explore strategies such as lowering entrance barriers, launching promotional campaigns, providing comprehensive training programs, and cultivating a more inclusive workforce. It's time to roll up our sleeves and make some changes, folks!
- To combat the current driver shortage in the transportation industry, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) suggests focusing on strategies like lowering entrance barriers, launching promotional campaigns, and providing comprehensive vocational training programs.
- As many bus and train drivers in Germany have shifted careers, financially incentivizing vocational training in the transport sector and easing qualification requirements could help draw in fresh, enthusiastic young adults who are keen on digital outreach and modern corporate vibes.
- By offering apprenticeships and lowering the minimum age for train driving in the UK, the government has presented a potential model for responding to driver shortages and improving the image of the transportation industry for countries facing similar challenges, such as those in Europe.
