MP visits Milton Keynes dealership

Iain Stewart MP for Milton Keynes South and Member of the Select Committee on Transport, visited National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) member Brian Currie DAF on Friday 17 November.

On Friday, Milton Keynes celebrated its ‘Takeover Day’, an event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England which offers young people the chance to spend the day with some of the most important decision makers in their area. Iain Stewart MP, was shadowed by two young students who won the ‘Takeover Day’ competition and were chosen to spend the day with him.

The visit provided an ideal opportunity to discuss some crucial issues facing the truck industry. In particular, the concern about skills shortage, especially after Brexit and the need to privatise, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) testing to offer 24/7 service to operators were the main topics of discussion.

Brian Currie, chairman of the Brian Currie Ltd commented, “We are focusing heavily on our apprenticeship and training schemes to get young people closer to our industry. However, in the short term, the risk of facing a skills shortage following the UK’s departure from the EU represents a serious concern for the truck business. To avoid serious employment issues, it is essential that we retain access to skilled EU workforce.”

Iain Stewart MP added, “There are a number of initiatives that local employers are working on to promote career opportunities to young people and we are seeing some positive changes. Training schemes and apprenticeships are crucial to ensure that young people are aware of the professional paths available to them when they leave school.”

Sue Robinson, NFDA director continued, “We are aware that there are some misconceptions that we need to overcome to promote our industry to young people, especially in the truck world. However, the sector is evolving very quickly and offers more and more exciting employment prospects, the role of technology alongside the growing need for strong IT skills proves this. NFDA will continue to work closely with its members to promote the opportunities that our industry offers.”