Wells was giving evidence to the Transport Committee, which is investigating factors affecting recruitment and retention and the effectiveness of measures implemented by industry and the Government to solve the driver crisis.
During the hearing, FTA took the opportunity to press the Committee to consider the inclusion of driver training in the industry-led apprenticeship Trailblazer scheme ahead of the imposing apprenticeship levy. The Association also outlined the urgent need of improvements to driver facilities in the UK, and called for the removal of 'barriers' to encourage would-be drivers to take up the profession.
The FTA estimates that there is currently a shortage of 45,000 HGV drivers across the industry, plus problems recruiting in other areas such as engineering and warehousing. The FTA is staging a Logistics Skills Summit in March entitled Attract, Recruit, Retain to highlight the issue and to help employers find solutions.
The event, which is being held on 17 March during National Apprentices Week, is the day after the Budget and will also feature updates on apprenticeships and the apprenticeship levy. To register, click here.