SINGAPORE : The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) has said that heavy vehicle drivers are in demand.
So it is putting drivers through training and organised a skills-matching event on Monday for companies looking to hire.
Out of 80 jobs on offer, offers were made to 27 trainees, on the condition that they pass their driving test.
To drive chartered buses, tour buses, and delivery vans, one needs a Class 4 driving licence.
But 54 trainees have been getting a taste of life behind the big wheel.
They are undergoing six weeks of driving lessons, sponsored by e2i, which hopes to build a pool of local heavy vehicle drivers.
And these potential drivers could rev up their engines next month, if they pass their Class 4 driving tests.
Mohamad Shah, a job applicant and trainee, said: "I am planning to
either drive as a prime mover driver or a passenger bus driver. I have
interest in these two industries, so I need to weigh out the options.
A new heavy vehicle driver can earn a monthly basic salary of
around S$1,300. And that could be one of the reasons why the younger
generation is steering away.
The shortage of drivers is a challenge for businesses in the sector which are hoping to expand.
Jason Lee, employer, Min Yang Trading and Transport Services, said:
"There is lesser younger blood in this industry. The second thing is,
more and more people are educated. So this industry has been more or
less left out among people looking into this market."
Moving forward, e2i will organise regular Class 4 driving previews over the next few months.
- CNA/ms