More Than Half of Bus and Train Operators in Germany are found as Cross-Traffic Drivers (in other roles) in Survey

Changing Gears: Half of Germany's Bus and Train Drivers Are Career Shifters

Majority of Bus and Train Commuters in Germany Identified as Career Shifters in Recent Survey - More Than Half of Bus and Train Operators in Germany are found as Cross-Traffic Drivers (in other roles) in Survey

Here's the skinny: Germany's got 100,000 bus drivers, and they're a troop short by 20,000 in local transport. Train drivers? 40,000, but they need 3,000 more. Harald Kraus, the chairman of the VDV personnel committee, spilled the beans on the gigantic HR challenges due to demographic factors shaking things up among transport workers.

So, what's making bus and train driving a career change sensation for half of these candidates? Well, fresh working conditions and some respect from passengers come out as the key factors that might boost the job's appeal. Different shift plans seem to clash with private lives for nearly one-third of respondents, and traffic stress doesn't make things easier.

Digging into the social image of their profession, 51 percent of respondents think it's as shitty as a wet paper bag or even shittier. The unpleasant hours and low pay aren't helping the matter! But even so, over two-thirds of these cat-got-the-cream drivers picked this career because they positively adore hurtling massive vehicles down the road. Job security was a deal-sealer for 57.3 percent of them, and living near work is a priority for 47.3 percent.

Curious minds like ours wondered about the factors contributing to the high number of career shifters joining the bus and train driver ranks in Germany. After snooping around the cyber-land, we picked up some ideas that could potentially spark these changes:

1. Job Security and Stability: Steady employment opportunities might be very alluring for people seeking a career transition.
2. Variety of Shifts: The flexibility in scheduling bus and train driving may lure those tired of the traditional 9-to-5 grind.
3. Environmental and Social Impact: Contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and serving the community might be a significant draw for those jumping to the transportation sector.
4. Training Opportunities: Training programs could make the leap more feasible for newbies, considering initiatives like the European Railway Agency's educational inventory.
5. Increased Demand: The growing need for public transportation services, like electric buses, might also be a siren call for career changers.

Itching to learn more about the VDV's survey? You'll want to take a gander at the survey itself or give the VDV a ring for more detailed info. Boom! Knowledge dropped.

The surge of newcomers in Germany's transportation industry, particularly in Berlin, may be attributed to factors such as job security, variety of shifts, and the chance to make a positive environmental impact. Moreover, the association of German transport undertakings' survey reveals that financing and industry aspects might also play a role in attracting career shifters to bus and rail passenger services.

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