Unveiling the Trend: A Growing Number of Career Changers Joining the German Bus & Train Driver Ranks
In Germany, over half of bus and train drivers lack prior experience in the transportation industry. - More than Half of German Bus and Train Operators Are Concurrently Working on Multiple Routes
Make way for new faces in Germany's public transportation sector, as over 50,000 career switchers step up to take on the roles of bus drivers and train conductors. Shortages in the industry, especially in local public transport, have reached a critical point, with a whopping gap of 20,000 bus drivers and 3,000 train drivers.
Harald Kraus, VDV's personnel committee chairman, shares his concerns, "We're grappling with massive hiring issues, primarily due to demographic factors, particularly in the driver pool."
Improved working conditions and respectful passenger treatment are at the top of employees' wish lists, seeking to make their careers more appealing. A staggering 30% say managing their work schedules versus their private lives remains a challenge. The pressures on the road also rank high on the list of stressors.
A troubling 51% rate the social standing of their profession as poor or very poor. Reasons cited include unfavorable working hours, low pay, and an unenviable public image.
However, more than two-thirds (68.6%) relish the joy of driving that their roles provide. Job security and its proximity to their homes mattered greatly to 57.3% and 47.3% respectively.
For this study, the VDV, alongside digital consultancy Nexum, polled 1,425 industry employees on their motivations, challenges, and job satisfactions.
Unpacking the Driver's Seat Attraction
- Job Security: Offering a stable career, transportation roles often appeal to career changers seeking stability and predictability.
- Training Opportunities: With specialized training required for many transport roles, these positions can cater to those seeking new skills.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the schedule, certain transportation jobs might offer a better work-life balance compared to their previous gigs.
The Balancing Act: Working Conditions & Job Satisfaction
- Physical & Mental Demands: Driving can take a toll, with demanding schedules and safety concerns impacting job satisfaction.
- Social Interaction: Finding camaraderie in passengers or co-workers can make the solitary driving experience more rewarding.
- Work Environment: A supportive and positive working environment has a significant impact on overall job satisfaction.
Looking Through the Rearview Mirror: The Social Image
- Perception of the Job: If the role is perceived as valuable and respected, drivers will likely feel more content in their positions.
- Public Interaction: A positive interaction with the public can boost drivers' sense of purpose and pride, enhancing job satisfaction.
While data on Germany is scarce, these insights can offer a glimpse into the factors potentially impacting career changers in transportation roles. However, it's essential to remember that these assumptions are speculative and based on general observations.
When considering the broader transportation industry context across the globe, similar challenges—such as driver shortages and an aging workforce—can be seen in countries like the UK. This underscores the importance of policy changes, like widening the minimum age for train drivers, in attracting new generations of career changers to the transportation sector.
In Germany, further research is needed to identify the unique factors influencing career changers within the bus and train driver community. The search continues for the highly-anticipated driving force behind this growing trend.
The survey among German transportation employees reveals that job security and training opportunities are significant factors drawing career changers into the industry. However, challenges such as unfavorable working hours, low pay, and an unenviable public image contribute to only 39% of newcomers viewing their profession favorably, highlighting the need for an association of German transport undertakings to address these issues for improved industry finance and greater transportation industry appeal across Germany and internationally.
