The government today is calling for industry leaders and the
wider public to help find and train the next generation of
transport leaders.
A 12-week
consultation will help to better understand the future
skills needed to boost diversity, plug the skills gap and promote
careers across the industry, with participants able to post their
views and ideas.
A new taskforce, launched during National Apprentice Week 2022,
will lead the charge on promoting careers and aims to create
thousands of opportunities for the next generation of talent.
Minister said:
We want the brightest and best to join the transport sector, and
these plans will super-charge apprentice schemes and other
training routes and help attract top talent from the full
spectrum of society.
This taskforce will break down barriers to the leaders of the
future who will deliver services that are essential to keep our
country and economy moving.
The taskforce will be led by Rachel Skinner CBE, the
youngest ever President of the Institution of Civil Engineers
(ICE) and only the second woman to hold the role. She will work
alongside a representative group of industry leaders from across
the transport sector.
She will also look to improve diversity in the industry, where
women make up just 20% of the workforce and ethnic minorities are
still underrepresented. The taskforce will look to overhaul how,
and where, we find future transport professionals.
Rachel Skinner CBE, Chair
of Transport Employment and Skills Taskforce, said:
I know how challenging, rewarding and fascinating working within
the transport sector can be, particularly at the forefront of our
net zero transition.
It’s well-known that a more diverse and inclusive workforce
increases creativity, collaboration and productivity, and I’m
excited to use my experience to ensure people from
underrepresented groups can build brilliant careers in transport.
The announcement comes as HS2 says it’s on course to smash its
target of 2,000 apprentices during the lifespan of the project,
with 825 new starters already on board less than 18 months after
main works construction began.
Associated British Ports, the UK’s leading port operator, has
also launched its apprentice programme for 2022, offering
exciting maritime industry roles across its 21 locations.
Meanwhile, Logistics UK bosses have urged members to take
advantage of apprentice schemes to tackle industry shortages.
