Most drivers and mobile plant operator’s work in sectors where new business models are being shaped due to technological change, focus on environmental challenges and regulation. Due to these new paradigms, job tasks will increasingly depend on more ICT-based and specialised equipment and products, especially for those working in the land transport sector. Future jobs will therefore require new and more advanced skills in engineering and ICT, as well as understanding and handling of specific software and basic understanding of new technological advancements such as automated cars and platooning.

SIMULTANEOUSLY, the growing interdisciplinary elements of transport activities (such as combining new technological tools with safety rules) will also require these professionals to develop or adjust their skills to safety rules in a more automated workplace. An update of outdated ICT and sector-specific technology knowledge is therefore NECESSARY, especially targeting older workers. Drivers also require good numeracy skills for cash handling, MACHINE operation, time management, and processing information and data.

Despite automation, team working, customer service and INTERPERSONAL skills will continue to be integral to all jobs, especially for those working in warehouses, plants, construction sites etc. Foreign language capacities will also be important for constructing a more competitive skill PROFILE in a globalised market. Training plant operators to new machines or software should also consistently cover safety issues that will continue to be relevant even in more automated workspaces, to minimise accident risks and ensure compliance to local or EU regulations.

Notably, some of plant operators’ job tasks are particularly vulnerable to replacement by automation. Skills will follow tasks in shifting significantly to ‘smart’ machine handling, programming and maintaining. Increased complexity in warehousing/logistics jobs will increase the demand for high qualifications and strong(er) technical, engineering, mathematical skills. Dedicated and recurring training could satisfy these skill needs.

Most drivers and mobile plant operator’s work in sectors where new business models are being shaped due to technological change, focus on environmental challenges and regulation. Due to these new paradigms, job tasks will increasingly depend on more ICT-based and specialised equipment and products, especially for those working in the land transport sector. Future jobs will therefore require new and more advanced skills in engineering and ICT, as well as understanding and handling of specific software and basic understanding of new technological advancements such as automated cars and platooning.

Simultaneously, the growing interdisciplinary elements of transport activities (such as combining new technological tools with safety rules) will also require these professionals to develop or adjust their skills to safety rules in a more automated workplace. An update of outdated ICT and sector-specific technology knowledge is therefore necessary, especially targeting older workers. Drivers also require good numeracy skills for cash handling, machine operation, time management, and processing information and data.

Despite automation, team working, customer service and interpersonal skills will continue to be integral to all jobs, especially for those working in warehouses, plants, construction sites etc. Foreign language capacities will also be important for constructing a more competitive skill profile in a globalised market. Training plant operators to new machines or software should also consistently cover safety issues that will continue to be relevant even in more automated workspaces, to minimise accident risks and ensure compliance to local or EU regulations.

Notably, some of plant operators’ job tasks are particularly vulnerable to replacement by automation. Skills will follow tasks in shifting significantly to ‘smart’ machine handling, programming and maintaining. Increased complexity in warehousing/logistics jobs will increase the demand for high qualifications and strong(er) technical, engineering, mathematical skills. Dedicated and recurring training could satisfy these skill needs.