The Institute of Technology in Sligo in partnership with Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTA Ireland) has launched the first academic qualification for commercial driving in Ireland.

The programme will be ready for its first set of apprentices from January next year.

It is a two-year Level 6 course.

Vital role

“The haulage industry plays a vital role in supporting the nation’s economy and society, but it is suffering from a severe shortage of commercial drivers.

“Attracting new talent into the sector – particularly younger recruits as the average age of an HGV driver is over 45 – and raising the profile of the job opportunities available is key,” FTAI general manager Aidan Flynn said.

“To recruit new entrants, we need to overcome the poor image many young people have of careers within the freight distribution and logistics profession.

“Training and education, upskilling and continuous professional development must become the norm, not the exception, if this sector is to succeed into the future; our new commercial driving apprenticeship goes some way in tackling the driver shortage issue.”