Volvo aiming to recruit more young technicians

Commercial Motor

May 2, 2007

Volvo believes the industry should pull together in an attempt at attracting youngsters into truck workshops, because it fears that the shortage of technicians is only going to get worse.

Neil Grantham, director commercial aftermarket, says that Volvo is short of 1,500 technicians across Europe, and needs about 40 more in the UK.

Volvo's UK dealers are currently coping with the shortage by offering existing staff overtime and by recruiting from abroad. He says the majority of its imported labour comes from the Philippines and from Eastern Europe.

"But this is only a short-term solution," warns Grantham, who believes the flow of immigrant labour will be totally reversed within five years.

He Tells Motor Transport that the truck market is growing fast in Eastern Europe, and dealers are already lacking skilled technicians. He says many of those working in the UK will return to their home countries - enticed by increasing wages.

"The solution is home-grown technicians," he says.

Grantham believes the CV Show to be the perfect place to attract youngsters into the industry, and encourages them to visit Volvo's stands in the main hall and at the skills centre.

However it hasn't invited any schools or colleges to the show itself.

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Volvo aiming to recruit more young technicians

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