The transport sector is an essential pillar of the global economy. This sector, including road, rail, air, water and maritime networks, as well as health and logistics transport, is facing growing challenges requiring the continuous adaptation of the skills of its field teams. To remain competitive and in line with new requirements, the vocational training is an essential strategic lever.
Transport sector, what are we talking about?
The transport sector in France is dense and diversified, including road, rail, air, river and maritime networks. It also includes subcategories such as health transport (ambulances, firefighters, funeral directors), public and private transport networks (train, buses, trams, planes), as well as transport related to goods and logistics (freight trucks, deliveries, etc.). France has a network structured in a “spider web” with Paris as the heart, including 146 km of roads and 6.2 km of railways per 100 km².
The transport sector includes a multitude of jobs, each with its own specificities and particular requirements. Among them, we find: paramedic, taxi driver, delivery driver, delivery driver, truck driver, train driver, naval officer, airline pilot, railway rolling stock maintenance operator...
Key figures in the sector
- 1.4 million jobs : The transport and logistics market represents nearly 1.4 million jobs in France.
- 31% of GHG emissions : Transport is the activity that contributes the most to greenhouse gas emissions in France.
- 40% of employees with a CAP/BEP : In 2021, road passenger transport employees mostly hold a CAP/BEP diploma.
- Reduction in accidents : In 2020, 2,486 standstill accidents were recognized in passenger road transport, a decrease of 26.2% compared to the previous year.
Current challenges in the transport sector
1. Growth of the sector and diversity of professions
The transport and logistics professions are booming and new roles are emerging. The complementarity between transport and logistics is essential to the delivery of goods, from the preparation and dispatch to the reception of packages by customers. This growth requires a rapid and continuous adaptation of teams' skills.
2. New environmental regulations
The introduction of new environmental regulations requires transport companies to meet strict standards to reduce their carbon footprint. This requires investments in new infrastructure, equipment and employee training to ensure an operation in compliance with new standards.
3. Specificities of professions
Each transport profession has its particularities and requires specific skills. For example, drivers of dangerous goods trucks must undergo special training, as do bar service agents on trains or customer service managers at bus stations. Training should be tailored to the specific requirements of each role to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Recruiting difficulties
The transport and logistics sector faces recruitment difficulties due to the specificities of the professions. Businesses need a diverse workforce, from truck drivers to logistics specialists. Recruiting and retaining qualified talent is crucial for the smooth functioning of operations, but the sector is experiencing high turnover and a decrease in attractiveness.
How to effectively train field teams working in transport
The prerequisite: adapt the training to the specificities of the professions
Transport jobs are varied and everyone has specific requirements. For example, a driver of a truck transporting hazardous materials must undergo specialized training that is different from that of a reception officer at a bus station.
The approach to achieve this:
- Needs analysis: Identify the specific skills required for each position.
- Specific modules: Develop training programs adapted to the particularities of each profession.
- Practical simulations: Use simulations and real situations to train employees in scenarios they might encounter in the field.
Use digital training tools
Digitalization offers flexible and accessible training opportunities anywhere and at any time. Training platforms can improve the effectiveness of learning and allow real-time monitoring of employee progress, and this is essential for teams that are always on the go.
Encourage collaborative learning
Collaborative learning allows employees to share knowledge and experiences, which reinforces engagement and a culture of continuous learning.
Managing seasonal fluctuations and turnover
The transport sector experiences seasonal fluctuations that require temporary reinforcements of workers. Fast and effective training is essential to integrate these new employees.
To achieve this:
- Preboarding and onboarding: Establish preboarding and onboarding processes to quickly onboard new employees.
- Accelerated training: Develop accelerated training programs for periods of high activity.
- Commitment of seasonal workers: Offer incentives and development opportunities to retain seasonal employees and reduce turnover.
Chez Beedeez, we understand the specific challenges of the transport sector. Our training modules are designed to be directly applicable in the field. They cover essential technical and regulatory aspects, while being accessible online and offline. Field teams can train at their own pace, wherever they are, without disrupting their daily work.
How to effectively train field teams working in transport
1. Preparing for regulations
The training allows Raise awareness among field teams about new environmental regulations and train them in best practices to comply with them. This includes the manipulation of green technology, the application of emission reduction protocols, and the sustainable management of resources.
2. Adapting to technologies
Technological innovations, such as electric vehicles and automated management systems, require a constant updating of skills. Adequate training ensures that field teams are up to date with the latest technology.
3. Improving safety
Safety is essential in the transport sector. Rigorous training allows reduce the risk of accidents, ensure the safety of employees and customers, and minimize the costs associated with incidents. Training programs should include modules on road safety, handling of hazardous materials, and emergency procedures.
