European Shippers’ Council attended the participatory conference “Young People and Transport Jobs: Making Transport Careers More Attractive” on 15th of October 2025, a European Commission initiative aimed at fostering youth engagement in the transport sector. The event brought together policymakers, industry representatives, and young professionals and students to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining talent the transport industry.
The conference began with an opening address from Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General of DG MOVE. The plenary session focused on youth employment, working conditions, and career prospects across different modes of transport, highlighting opportunities and challenges in road, rail, air, maritime, and urban public transport. Discussions emphasised the importance of adapting to digitalisation, automation, and the green transition while addressing gender imbalance and work-life considerations.
Interactive sessions allowed young participants to share their aspirations, challenges, and expectations with sector representatives. This dialogue generated insights into improving job attractiveness, including traineeships, vocational training, partnerships with educational institutions, social networks, and inclusive recruitment practices. European Shippers Council actively engaged in these discussions, contributing perspectives on fostering youth participation and promoting transport careers as innovative and sustainable.
The event highlighted the urgent need for generational renewal in transport and stressed that diversity, inclusive policies, and modernised working conditions are key to building a competitive workforce for the future.
ESC’s participation underscored its commitment to supporting youth engagement and career development in the transport sector. As the industry transitions to greener, digitalised, and automated systems, initiatives like this conference are critical for ensuring that young people see transport as a dynamic, valued, and viable career path.