Community Stories: Sectorinstituut Transport en Logistiek

The transport and logistics industry relies on a strong, skilled workforce, and in the Netherlands, Sectorinstituut Transport en Logistiek (STL) plays a key role in making this possible. Today, we're happy to share with you more detail about the work that goes on at STL, and how Euro Truck Simulator 2 is also utilized within their company as a tool for students and current drivers. Let's dive in!

STL was founded in 2014 through the merger of various organizations with a shared goal: securing the recruitment and long-term employability of skilled professionals in the transport and logistics sector. Established by sectoral employers' organizations and trade unions, STL works to create a balanced labor market and provide a strong foundation for individuals to thrive in the industry. To learn more about their work, we had the pleasure of chatting with Robin.

"My name is Robin Maes, I'm a Communications Strategist for Sectorinstituut Transport en Logistiek. We have multiple strategists at STL, all focusing on different areas of Transport and Logistics. I focus solely on making sure that there are enough new students starting and finishing their education in Transport and Logistics. I work in the marketing department and within a multitude of multidisciplinary project groups, ensuring that our goals are met."

Robin explains that their mission at STL goes beyond simply bringing new talent into the workforce. "Our goal is to ensure a balanced labor market in the transport and logistics sector. We want employees to work safely, healthily, and with pride." STL’s objectives include attracting and training new professionals, supporting career development, improving working conditions, and promoting innovation and sustainability within the industry. However, challenges such as an aging workforce, misconceptions about the sector, and work-life balance concerns remain key issues that STL is determined to address.

Despite these challenges, STL has seen significant success in bringing fresh talent into transport and logistics. "Every year, we take on almost 1,000 new students," Robin shares. "These students will become mostly truck drivers but also forklift drivers and future management." STL's efforts extend beyond direct recruitment, through initiatives like school roadshows which consist of visiting around 150 schools annually, engaging with approximately 10,000 students from ages 12-17 to showcase the diverse career opportunities in the sector.

STL’s support doesn't end at recruitment. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding students and jobseekers in their career journeys. "We have local advisors in schools across the country," Robin says. "They help students explore career paths, choose educational programs, and connect with companies for hands-on learning experiences." For adults looking to switch careers, STL provides job coaching and connections with potential employers, ensuring a smooth transition into the transport industry. Additionally, STL helps subsidize essential training, such as obtaining truck and forklift licences, reducing financial barriers for those eager to enter the field.

For those already working in logistics, STL continues to provide valuable support. "The Stichting Opleidings en Ontwikkelingsfonds Beroepsgoederenvervoer, or SOOB for short, creates the funds we work with and determines the subsidies STL can offer," Robin explains. "Currently, there are multiple ways to benefit from this, like progressing from a forklift driver to a fully licensed CE-truck driver. We also offer other support programmes, such as subsidized (or free) health programs for losing weight or to quit smoking."

The transportation industry still faces some challenges, but it is steadily evolving to address them. The sector has made significant progress over the past 20 years. However, not everyone is aware of these changes, which can affect how people perceive careers in transportation and