Aidan Flynn
Chief Executive, Freight Transport Association Ireland
A supply chain is defined as a system of producing and delivering products or services from the sourcing of raw materials through various stages of processing and manufacturing to customer delivery.
The transport function of distribution is critical to efficient logistics. Road transport accounts for 76% of the total inland freight transport across the EU (based on tonne-kilometres performed). In Ireland, it is much higher at almost 99% due to the significantly lower contribution of other modes of transport.
Importance of logistics and its workforce
The success of a supply chain is reliant on strong relationships at all links of the chain, that deliver efficient, on-time — every time — logistics. At every stage of the supply chain, there is a reliance on truck drivers and the companies they work for.
The transport and logistics sector has been less successful than others in recruiting younger workers over the years due to many factors, including a perception that it is made up of predominantly low-skilled jobs required to work long hours. This perception needs to change.
The image of driving as a profession to attract young people and women into professional driving must be amplified.
Diversity in the driving profession
Another issue is the lack of diversity within the profession of commercial driving. According to Road Safety Authority data, only 2% of HGV driving licences (categories C and CE) are issued to women. The Transport and Operations Apprenticeship (two-year level 6 commercial driver apprenticeship) is challenging this gender imbalance with up to 25% of classes comprising women.
With the pace of change within our sector, driven by technological advancements and environmental ambitions to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels over the next decade(s), the image of driving as a profession to attract young people and women into professional driving must be amplified.
Apprenticeships and growth opportunities
One of the main objectives of any apprenticeship programme is to support a sustainable and skilled workforce for employers and to support career progression opportunities for apprentices. In addition, apprenticeships sow the seed for lifelong learning that further supports and enhances the employer’s workspace and employees’ ambitions.
With the demand for logistics to increase substantially in line with a growing population over the coming years, there are great career opportunities supported by a growing number of education and training courses that will ensure the freight distribution and logistics sector keeps apace with technological advancement and decarbonisation demands.
