Opportunities for 2000 Graduate Drivers

This is the caption of a job advert that came out in Tuesday Guardian of 2nd August 2012. It really caught my attention and reminded me of an earlier article I wrote titled “unemployed or arrogant?” I wish I had access to the database that will warehouse the number of applicants. I would love to know the number of candidates who will apply for the position. Interestingly no class of degree or particular course was mentioned. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to drive! Just indicate your interest. Isn’t that what life is really about? Just Show up! It’s quite a while I heard about such a massive recruitment at a go. I wondered are they buying 2000 or 1000 new trucks (assuming 2 drivers per truck) or replacing all the present drivers who may probably be non graduates. If they are buying new trucks, while I appreciate the job creation consequence I also shudder at the thought of the impact of that number of Trucks on the existing road network (both traffic congestion and wear and tear on the road). If it is replacement of illiterate Drivers in their fleet then some people have to lose their jobs. So I ask, are you upgrading your skills, certificates and education on your present job? If not your job may be on the line. You not only need to do this to get a promotion you also need to do it even to retain your present job. I won’t be surprised if we start seeing Graduate Cleaners, Tea Boys, Janitors adverts. Graduate would mean more efficiency, less or zero negligence and more professionalism etc. Whatever the motive whether expansion or wholesale manpower replacement it is imperative there is a paradigm shift. Perhaps it is time to begin to see drivers in the category of Pilots or Sailors. At least they are all involved in coordinating the movement of a transport device from Origin to destination. Yes drivers deserve some respect. People are joining the profession for the sheer love of driving, enjoying different scenery and logistics in general. Yet someone out there who should apply for this job will say i cant condescend to this level! Apply for driver role. For those discerning enough to put in and secure placement I see them feeding their families and even end up holding other more prestigious roles in future as they apply themselves diligently to the Graduate Drivers Role. @ Copyright Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus