Revamped: High Volume of Career Shifters Steering Towards Germany's Bus and Train Driver Ranks
- *
Majority of Bus and Train Commuters in Germany Are Individuals Seeking Job Transitions - Study: More Than Half of Bus and Train Operators in Germany Also Drive Across Lanes
In the heart of Europe, Germany boasts a whopping 100,000 bus drivers, as per the VDV, but grapples with a 20,000 deficit in just local transport. The train driver sector, housing 40,000 professionals, faces a 3,000 shortfall. "We are staring down the barrel of a significant labor shortage among driving personnel due to demographic factors, particularly in this field," shares Harald Kraus, chairman of the VDV personnel committee.
The substantiated assertions that improved work circumstances, together with an improved sense of recognition from passengers, can make the profession more alluring, have garnered support from the employees. Around 30 percent of the respondents professed difficulties in harmonizing their work schedules with their personal lives. Traffic-related stress often looms as a burdensome impediment.
A staggering 51 percent of respondents rate the social standing of their occupation unfavorably. Wages and unfavorable schedules play a pivotal role in shaping these negative perceptions. Nevertheless, over two-thirds (68.6 percent) embraced the driver's life due to their innate affinity for steering vehicles, and factors such as job security (57.3 percent) and proximity to their residences (47.3 percent) also weigh heavily in their decisions.
For the study, the VDV collaborated with the digital consultancy Nexum to survey 1,425 industry professionals.
- Germany
- Career Switches
- Berlin
- Association of German Transport Companies
- Employee Survey
Notably, while there's scant information pertaining to the specific motives behind career shifters choosing bus and train driving in Germany, an analysis of broader trends can provide some insights. Job stability, training opportunities, and environmental impact are potential catalysts that might spur career changers in Germany to seek a berth in the transportation sector:
Motivating Factors for Career Shifts
- Job Stability and Security: The transportation sector often offers a reliable employment landscape, piquing the interest of those seeking greater job security compared to their previous positions.
- Career Development Opportunities: Numerous training programs available for bus and train drivers appeal to a new generation eager to polish their skills and jumpstart fresh careers.
- Personal Fulfillment and Sustainability: Working in the transportation sector offers a chance to contribute positively to public transportation and environmental sustainability, attracting those pursuing careers that align with their values.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: The structured nature of driving schedules often translates into a healthier work-life balance and is an attractive proposition for workforce transitioners.
Admittedly, specific data for Germany is scarce, but these trends can offer a glimpse into the factors influencing career decisions and job satisfaction in the transportation sector at large.
- The surge in career switches towards Germany's bus and train driver ranks suggests a growing interest in the association of German transport undertakings, particularly in Berlin.
- The transportation industry, with its focus on workplace-wellness and health-and-science, offers enticing opportunities for those seeking stability, development, and a positive impact on society.
- Finance, business, and careers in the transportation sector may provide attractive alternatives for newcomers, making Germany a prime destination for career shifts.
- As the VDV collaborates with digital consultancies to survey industry professionals, gaining insights into the specific motivations of career shifters will be crucial for devising strategies to further attract newcomers to the transportation sector in Germany.
