Driving Jobs in Scotland
The Transport and Logistics industry is a leading employer in Scotland. Driving Jobs in Scotland are generally broken down into HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), FLT (Forklift Truck License), 7.5T and 3.5T Drivers. If you have a clean driving license, your skills will be sought after from employers direct and recruitment agencies in Scotland.
Driving Jobs Qualifications
The Driving / Transport industry does not need qualifications, just a specific driving license;
More than a third of all workers are classified as transport operatives. These are jobs such as bus and HGV drivers and rail transport operatives. People working in this sector, will generally be sought after by bus companies, recruitment agencies, and employers direct. These days, with a high per cent of the working population either being self-employed or working for a recruitment agency, the flexibility is there to work in various locations, and work for various organisations.
The Driving / Transport industry generally appeals to those who are interested in practical and active work. 80% of the workforce is male and the minimum age for HGV drivers is 21, this makes it more difficult for school leavers to enter the industry.
Future Prospect for Driving Jobs
The future trend for this industry sector state that there will be a demand for part-time drivers and that females in the workforce will increase to around 30%.
Most large distribution centres, employers and recruitment agencies will ask you to complete a Tachograph and Drivers Hours questionnaire to assess your suitability for the work. Employers may also ask you to attend an assessment day to assess your competence as a HGV driver.
It is important to note that some LGV Drivers are asked to help unload their vehicle when they reach the destination point. If, for any reason, you are unwilling to do this, please advise your Line Manager or the Agency you are working for.
Other key findings of the profile conducted by the REC’s Industry Research Unit are:
- The UK Logistics Sector which includes HGV drivers and warehousing is worth £74.45bn to the UK economy.
- One in 12 people in the UK now work in Logistics with 2.3 million people employed in 196,000 companies
- Transport and Logistics is the fifth largest sector of the UK economy
- The cost of fuel is also a major concern across the industry. It could rise further during the year, pushing prices to consumers and constraining the return to growth
- Two factors were of equal importance to Driver and Transport employers when using an agency – cost and reliable high quality workers
It is recommended that any person who is an LGV Driver should request a medical examination with their G.P, and have an eye examination each year. Sometimes employers will contribute towards the cost of this, so please speak to your HR department.
If your health, or eyesight deteriorates, speak to your Line Manager or HR department to see if there is another suitable position for you.
Sites that may be of interest to you will be: