At the EU- and ILO-backed THAMM Plus event in Rabat, Morocco, this week, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½outlined how improving driver mobility from third countries to the EU tackles two challenges: chronic driver shortages and subpar professional qualification standards.
To address the chronic shortage of professional drivers, the EU road transport sector is ramping up efforts to attract local talent, with a particular focus on young people and women.
However, with the shortage worsening and a significant portion of the current workforce nearing retirement, the industry is also in need of skilled drivers from third countries.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½is leading several initiatives to support EU transport companies in recruiting qualified third-country drivers. Among them is the Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe (SDM4EU) project, which is part of the technical assistance projects under the , funded by the EU.
In parallel, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½has recently completed the ¡°Bus and truck drivers from third countries¡± study (STEER2EU), which was entrusted to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½by the European Commission. The research examined the conditions for employing non-EU drivers in the EU and the driver qualification frameworks in 20 non-EU countries. It has also identified the conditions ¨C such as visas, work permits and professional qualifications ¨C required by Member States to allow third-country drivers to work for EU-based companies.
Speaking at the ¡°THAMM Plus: Labour migration governance and mobility in North Africa¡± event in Morocco, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Director of Certification and Standards Patrick Philipp said, ¡°We need to address two interconnected challenges: chronic driver shortages in the EU and the lack of professional qualification standards in many countries.
¡°By aligning professional qualification standards globally, we can help alleviate the shortage of drivers while strengthening qualification frameworks in partner countries. It¡¯s a clear win-win solution.¡±
The implementation of the , which recognises ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Academy Professional Qualifications as a benchmark, is seen as a model for enhancing regional harmonisation and the recognition of driver qualifications.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½is also working with governments to establish an advanced examination methodology and improve capacity to ensure transparency and trust in driver qualification documents.
Through Examiner, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½collaborates with governments and certification bodies to assess and certify road transport professionals based on international standards. Meanwhile, with RoadMasters, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½helps mobility and road freight companies make informed decisions during and after the hiring process.
¡°The road transport sector is facing two critical challenges, but the good news is that by facilitating the recruitment of skilled third-country drivers, we can address both,¡± concluded Patrick Philipp.