The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG Strengthens Youth Promotion Further

The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG aims to further strengthen youth promotion. At today’s delegate assembly, it became clear that the professions in the road transport industry are extremely attractive for apprentices and career changers – while the demand for personnel is also increasing. The shortage of skilled workers, primarily due to the growing traffic congestion problem, is perhaps the biggest challenge for the industry.

In the midst of the “Week of Vocational Education,” a campaign from 23 cantons that has been running since Monday, youth promotion is also at the center of attention for the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG. For several years, there have been intensive efforts to inspire young people for the transport industry – whether through “Truck Days” at the Verkehrshaus Luzern, exciting appearances at job fairs and at Swiss Skills, or an information platform (www.profis-on-tour.ch). Today, at the 2023 delegate assembly of ASTAG in Neuchâtel, the primary focus was on how vocational training in the dual education system can continue to successfully assert itself against the academic path.

Better Framework Conditions – More Skilled Workers

Central President Thierry Burkart referred to the persistent commitment of ASTAG for better framework conditions. It is crucial, for example, that the costs of training and further education, which are currently far too high due to legal requirements, can be reduced. Job killer number one is, however, the increasing traffic congestion problem: “For a functioning supply and disposal, we need an efficient, demand-oriented, and modern road infrastructure,” emphasized Burkart: “Driving and transporting must be fun; otherwise, all of Switzerland suddenly comes to a standstill!”

All Five Professions in Trend

In principle, the potential of the industry is very large, as a panel discussion with inputs from transport companies, the State Secretariat for Vocational Education and Training (SBFI), personnel placement, an operator of a training portal, and a foundation made clear. All five professions that ASTAG offers as an organization of the working world (OdA) are trending and have a future. The main reason is the increasing demand from the economy and society for transport services. All forecasts from the federal government show that transport and logistics are on the verge of a real boom and that more and more skilled workers will be needed in the coming years: “Youth promotion therefore continues to have the highest priority for us,” promised Deputy Director Gallus Bürgisser: “We are convinced that we can motivate young people and career changers equally through innovation, consistent digitization, and attractive training programs!”

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