Volvo warns truck sector must broaden recruitment

Volvo Trucks has warned the heavy-duty vehicle sector must adapt its recruitment approach to attract a broader and more diverse workforce as the industry transitions towards zero-tailpipe-emission transport.

Volvo has published findings from independent research examining how women and ethnic minorities perceive careers linked to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, buses and coaches.

The research, commissioned through Transport Scotland’s Skills Challenge Fund for HDV Decarbonisation and carried out by DJS Research, focused on participants across Scotland and the North of England.

Volvo said the study identified low awareness of the sector as a major barrier to recruitment, with many participants struggling to identify the types of organisations, job roles and career pathways available within the zero-emission commercial vehicle industry.

However, the study found perceptions changed significantly when the sector was framed around future technologies, sustainability and innovation.

Amy Stokes, decarbonisation director at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “For too long recruitment in this sector has been hindered by a less diverse applicant pool, making it harder to build an inclusive workforce.

“This is a crucial topic the industry needs to address, because misconceptions, particularly among women and ethnic minorities, risk narrowing the talent pool at a time when we need to attract and retain a broader range of talent than ever.”

The research also found many participants still associated the industry with dirty, highly physical and male-dominated workshop environments.

According to the findings, technical language, jargon-heavy job descriptions and long lists of ‘essential’ requirements were seen as discouraging potential applicants without existing automotive or engineering backgrounds.

Participants across all focus groups highlighted work-life balance, fair pay, career development opportunities and inclusive workplace culture as key priorities when considering future employment.

The report also found respondents wanted to see more authentic employee stories and representation from people with similar backgrounds already working within the sector.

Karen Bailey, head of competence development at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said the transition to zero-emission vehicles presented a major opportunity to reshape the industry’s workforce.

“The findings have made one thing very clear: the shift to a zero tailpipe-emission HDV sector represents a significant opportunity to attract a broader and more diverse workforce,” she said.

“At Volvo Trucks we are well positioned to lead this change – but it’s a bigger challenge than any one manufacturer can accomplish alone.”

Volvo said it will use the research findings to support future recruitment strategies, improve inclusivity within job advertising and strengthen early careers engagement and supports Volvo Group’s wider diversity target of reaching 35% women employees globally by 2030.