There will be significant changes in the demographics of the sector over the next 20 years resulting from the increasing average of the population and problems with an aging workforce.

Key statistics:

• 83% of organisation in the community transport industry do not have any employees aged 20-24 years
• 45% of train drivers are aged between 35-44 years
• 40% of the rail workforce is over 45 years of age
• 44% of transport planners are over 50 years of age
• 52% of sole traders are over 55 years of age
• nearly a quarter of workers in the bus industry are aged 55 years plus
• 2% of driver training workforce is under 25 years, 28% are over 55 years

Average age of workforce:

• rail – 39 years
• aviation – 40 years
• bus and coach –  45 years
• taxi and private hire – 47 years
• driver training – 47 years

Within the coach industry there are difficulties recruiting young people because of legislation and high insurance premiums which restrict drivers under the age of 25.

Source: GoSkills Skills Needs Assessment (stage 1) 2006a and LMI industry fact sheets 2006