The Young Drivers Project is an initiative for training young people as truck drivers. It is being promoted by the Unione Nazionale Rappresentanti Autoveicoli Esteri (UNRAE), or the National Union of Foreign Autovehicle Representatives, funded by the Albo degli Autotrasportatori, the Cargo Truck Association, and shared by the sector's largest associations as well as the National Salesian Centers – Vocational & Professional Training Association (CNOS-FAP) as regards training candidates.
Over the past few weeks, UNRAE has organized a tour to present the project, with presentations in Verona, Palermo and, finally, at Bari's Salesian Institute: "Redentore." Young people were told that the driver of the future would no longer be simply mechanics, but closer to being IT managers working in hi-tech cockpits, a professional figure who'd be using onboard instruments and keeping online contacts with companies and employers.
Furthermore, the cabins of the future will also allow drivers to rest comfortably, do sports, shower and keep fit, and the cockpit will be a social cabin where contact with their families or friends shall be continuous and ongoing. This part especially pleased the Salesian Provincial of Southern Italy (IME), Fr Angelo Santorsola, who, during the Bari meeting, praised the initiative and underscored how the UNRAE project is perfectly in line with the Salesian Educational Program.
The Young Drivers Project refunds circa 80% of the expenses students incur in obtaining their certificates. Now, after selections, a ranking has been established to allow the first 500 young people to begin their training course.
"Even today, 85% of Europe's cargo is by truck," said Mr Franco Fenoglio, a UNRAE executive. He explained that the estimated Italian shortage of circa 180,000 drivers was due to foreign drivers returning to their countries, mostly in Eastern Europe, drivers previously employed by Italian companies in the place of Italian drivers because of lower labor costs.
"Today there are many great opportunities for employment," Mr Fenoglio concluded.
And the Salesians aim to be there to accompany young people who want to make their future in this sector.
