The CAT Group decided to deal with the lack of professional drivers in France on their own. CAT Academy training will last 24 weeks, and young candidates after qualifying will start working in one of the branches of the operator.
CAT operates mainly in France but has its headquarters in several other European countries. The new way to win drivers will be tested in France, but the operator also has plans to create similar centers in Spain and Germany – reports the French industry portal Actu Transport Logistique.
A contract of employment guaranteed after completing the course
The first training center will be built in Arras in the Pas-de-Calais department. The courses will start in October and will last six months. In the first draft, 12 candidates will start their studies. For now, the program focuses on the transport of vehicles, because there is a lack of drivers with the skills to drive a car transporter. After completing the course, young drivers can count on permanent contracts with a company that will immediately provide them with a job.
The next sessions will begin this year in eastern and south-eastern France. Currently, CAT is looking for 40 short- and long-distance drivers.
Other French companies tempt drivers with bonuses
To encourage drivers to work at Stef Transport, the company offers them shares or a savings scheme. The block of shares or savings account will be received by everyone will work at the company for at least 3 months. Renaud Bouet, the HR Director at Stef Transport France, points out that until now, the employee share ownership model has not been applied in transport companies.
In France, the lack of lorry drivers is already noticeable (about 15 thousand truckers). The industry is slowly changing its way of getting employees because traditional methods are no longer enough.
Photo: CAT Group