More than half (52.7 per cent) of vacancies for vehicle mechanics, technicians and fitters will not be filled in the near future, according to FTA’s 2019 Logistics Report, as staff shortages within repair workshops and vehicle inspection units hit crisis point.

FTA will tackle this issue at its popular Fleet Engineer Conference, taking place on 11 June 2019 at the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC) in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, sponsored by Continental Tyres and Schmitz Cargobull.

Lawrie Alford, Head of Automotive at FTA, the organisation representing the interests of the logistics sector, commented: “Vehicle mechanics, technicians and fitters play a vital role in keeping the UK’s logistics sector running seamlessly, but the pool of these skilled engineers is declining rapidly; more than half of vacancies for these roles will not be filled in the near future, according to FTA’s 2019 Logistics Report. Currently, six million vehicle inspections are undertaken per annum by 30,000 technicians working on HGVs, trailers and PSVs. But unless the skills shortage is tackled, workshops will struggle to keep up with demand and queues for vehicles inspections and repairs will grow longer and longer. Operators will be forced to place their vehicles in ‘downtime’ for increasing periods, which could cause their operations to come grinding to a halt; not ideal for the consumers and businesses who have come to expect superfast, “just-in-time” deliveries.”

Mr Alford continued: “Not enough secondary school and college leavers are drawn to technician apprenticeships; we must work together to promote the benefits of this career and ensure the industry attracts a steady flow of new talent. I will be exploring this topic in detail at FTA’s Fleet Engineer Conference during my speaker session, Preparing technicians for the future, I look forward to seeing you all there.”

The one-day conference will also provide delegates with exclusive opportunities to hear about the very latest developments in commercial vehicle technology, maintenance legislation changes and best practice advice from leading names from across the sector.  It is ideal for those with responsibilities for specifying commercial vehicles, ensuring roadworthiness, compliance and maintaining vehicles.

Places at Fleet Engineer Conference can be booked for £295 + VAT for FTA members or £350 + VAT for non-members.  For further information please visit the FTA website:  https://fta.co.uk/fleet-engineer-19.

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.  A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran