Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Flemish government is providing €350,000 for truck driver training in schools like Atlas College, addressing a shortage of 5,000 drivers. Director Olga Binens emphasizes the importance of this support.
The Flemish government is giving money for truck driver training in vocational schools again. They are providing 250,000 euros from the freight transport budget and another 100,000 euros from the education budget. This funding will help cover costs for eight schools, including Guldensporencollege in Kortrijk and Atlas College in Genk. Olga Binens, the director of Atlas College, said they have been offering this training since 1991, but rising fuel prices make it hard to continue without support. The funding will fully cover fuel costs and 75 percent of the expenses for using training grounds.
How will new funding tackle Belgium’s truck driver shortage?
Febetra is happy about the new funding for truck driver training, which will help reduce costs for students. They provide vehicles and cover insurance for schools to make training more accessible. They mentioned that with a shortage of 5,000 truck drivers in the country, there is a strong need for more students to join these programs. Director Binens from Atlas College noted that students who start training in the 5th year can expect to find jobs by the time they graduate in the 7th year.
It has been said that self-driving trucks are now being used in ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam, but they only work in safe areas without other vehicles. Filip Rylant from TRAXIO says that while the technology is being developed, it isn’t ready for everyone yet. There’s also a need for electric trucks, which are quite expensive. Infrastructure and laws need updates in Belgium and other countries. For now, Febetra is not focusing on self-driving trucks. Isabelle De Maegt says they are working on electric and hydrogen-powered trucks to help reduce emissions.
