Europe develops African recruitment pipelines to address driver shortages

Europe is addressing a critical shortage of truck and bus drivers by establishing structured recruitment pipelines from Africa. The European Union’s Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe II (SDM4EU II) project is currently training 600 drivers in Egypt and Morocco, with 200 prepared for roles in Romania and Italy. This initiative includes selection, technical training, language instruction, and legal support to facilitate relocation.

In Ireland, Dublin Bus has already successfully implemented a recruitment drive in South Africa to combat staff vacancies. The company has hired 93 South African bus drivers, who arrive in Ireland at a rate of approximately six per week. South African candidates are preferred due to their existing high-category licenses and the fact that English is a primary language. An agreement between Ireland and South Africa allows for the exchange of driving licenses, though recruits must still complete local training and residency permits.