At least 1,000 truckers shortage, employment agency holds job day

Corona, the high aging population and the negative image of the truck driver profession are the main causes. Moreover, the high employment rate in West Flanders makes it extra difficult to find truck drivers.

Fifteen candidates registered and Randstad invited five West Flemish companies. They are from different branches of transport and are urgently looking for drivers. The Gistel transporter Dieter Vanoverberghe, for example, is urgently looking for ten drivers. Due to the corona pandemic, the training came to a halt and the influx was halted for a long time. But there’s more to it. “Aging is the biggest problem. The average driver with us is between forty and sixty. There is too little influx among young people.”

Better image

Dieter Vanoverberghe of DVM Trans BV Gistel: “The image has improved somewhat in recent years. They have seen that transport is important. It used to be like: that driver is in the way. We continued to supply the stores during corona. Our image has already changed a bit.”

For a job as a truck driver you need an extra driver’s license, and that costs money. Randstad assists. Erik Debruyne: “Today you actually receive a free gift of 7,000 euros. The training costs a lot of money. And in principle we also offer a job. If you complete the training, you can immediately get a contract. So today you get a free driver’s license, but also a good job for the future.”