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Bror Karlsen (52) got his professional driver's license this spring. By then, he had already been driving buses for over 20 years. He says he regrets not getting his license sooner.
– I have lost a lot of money by not having taken a vocational certificate. If you start doing the math, think about how much money you have missed out on over the course of so many years that you could have had, says Karlsen, who currently drives a bus for Vy in Asker.
With a vocational certificate, a bus driver can increase their annual salary by an average of NOK 27,000. In a time characterized by increased interest rates and higher prices for both food, electricity and fuel, a higher salary is something that many will appreciate.
– Get your finger out.
Karlsen decided to get a trade certificate after being urged by the union, but also by colleagues.
– I was told to stick my finger out. “You already have the skills,” I was told. And that’s true. After many years of experience as a bus driver, I have gained a lot of knowledge, he says.
Yrkestrafikkforbundet ( YTF ), which has over 12,800 members in the transport industry, are clear that the proportion of drivers with a trade certificate is not high enough. That is why they launched the "I rute" program, where members are encouraged to get their trade certificate and YTF provides guides to support members in the process.
– We have a lofty goal of getting all professional drivers to take a professional license. We know that many are reluctant to take the exam, but we also know that many of our drivers already have the knowledge needed. With the I rute program, we want to motivate more people to take a professional license, says Secretary General of Yrkestrafikkforbundet Linda Jaeger.
This spring, nearly 130 professional drivers registered in YTF on the "I rute" program. The association experienced an overwhelming response when the program was first launched, but they are also clear that the program will last for several years to come, so that as many people as possible will receive help if they want it.
Comes with recommendation
Karlsen says that he didn't feel the need to read much theory before taking the exam, as he had a lot of knowledge beforehand and already felt reasonably confident in the material he was going to be tested on.
– When the exam came, I answered to the best of my ability, and got a very good passing grade, he says happily.
Only 1 in 3 transport workers has a trade certificate. Karlsen believes that many of today's drivers struggle to get past the threshold.
– Once you get started, it's not that difficult, he encourages, adding:
– As a shop steward, driver and colleague, I would recommend everyone to get over the threshold and get a trade certificate. It is important.
