Talent mobility: IRU unpacks key EU driver shortage solution

With driver shortages showing no sign of easing, IRU highlighted the win-win potential of third-country drivers at the EU Labour Mobility Practitioners' Network Conference.

As part of ongoing efforts against the shortage of professional drivers, the EU road transport sector is first and foremost focused on attracting more local talent to the driver profession, including young people and women.

But given the scale of the shortage, coupled with the fact that many drivers are nearing the age of retirement, the sector needs access to skilled, professional third-country drivers.

IRU is leading several initiatives to facilitate EU road transport companies' ability to hire third-country drivers. One such initiative is the Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe (SDM4EU), which is part of the technical assistance projects under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), funded by the EU.

The project's preliminary results have unveiled the uneven patchwork of technical and administrative barriers and the lack of harmonised procedures and standards across the EU.

Speaking on the need to improve the sector's access to third-country drivers at the EU Labour Mobility Practitioners' Network Conference, IRU Director of Certification and Standards Patrick Philipp said, "The EU is suffering from a chronic shortage of drivers. The Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe project will help interested EU countries access qualified, professional and eligible third-country drivers.

"The Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe project will also benefit talent partnership countries, strengthening their driver professional qualification standards. It's a win-win solution.

"IRU hopes to obtain the political endorsement of interested EU countries that would benefit from this project by establishing a blueprint allowing them to set up EU-compliant training capacity and standards in selected talent partnership countries."

SDM4EU brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including transport companies, professional drivers, recruitment experts, associations, unions, authorities, training institutes and assessment centres.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of the road transport sector, particularly need support in facilitating access to drivers from surplus countries through these partnerships.

SDM4EU aims to be a vital part of the solution to the driver shortage crisis facing the sector.