I am unashamed in bringing this up, as it will be one of the key topics we discuss at our conference. Recently, I was inspired to revisit my profile piece in Fuel Oil News, published in April 2022, where I answered this very question.
It is very much as I remembered – I wanted to be a chemistry teacher. Looking at historical consumer polling, this was a common choice for many of my age, alongside wanting to become a doctor. Interestingly, while it didn’t rank high, being a lorry driver was also on the list—yes, they had already been invented.
However, recent surveys of young people have shown that nearly a fifth answered ‘Gamer’ or ‘Streamer’ to this question, closely followed by ‘Video Game Developer’, while 20% of ten-year-olds want to be an ‘Influencer’. Unsurprisingly, careers like fuel distribution, tanker driver and transport manager have not featured on any recent lists.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average age of workers in the UK is 42. In our industry, that figure is much higher: 60% of our drivers are between the ages of 46 and 55.
Why does this matter?
The same ONS report states, “An occupation with an older age profile could also pose challenges for labour supply in future if not enough young people go into that type of work.”
Four years ago, after completing UKIFDA’s first employment survey, it became evident that the fuel distribution sector faced an age problem. While there is nothing wrong with being older and wiser, we must find ways to pass on the skills and knowledge of these key roles and inspire the next generation.
This is why we decided to launch the Young Person of the Year Award. At the time, some believed this sectionalising of the working population was inappropriate, but I reasoned that we could hardly have an Older Person of the Year Award, and I also wanted to spark a conversation that, over time, would highlight success stories.
Four years and four winners later, I am pleased to report that the previous award recipients are still thriving in the industry. I now want their success and stories to inspire others. Therefore, we have invited them back on May 14th for a live podcast in Leeds, hosted by Alex Wolfe of Wolfe Power Club.
We will explore questions like: What made them enter our industry? What motivates them to stay? What advice do they have for others, especially for employers and UKIFDA?
On the subject of inspiration, I am sure everyone is now aware that UKIFDA’s long-standing Technical Manager, Tony Brown, has moved on to a new role within the industry. During the four years I have known Tony, I have been in awe of the extensive technical knowledge he has acquired throughout his career in this industry.
On behalf of all UKIFDA members and my colleagues, I would like to thank him for the invaluable help and advice he has provided to us all.
This year’s approach to the conference element of the UKIFDA SHOW 2025 will focus on conversation rather than formal presentations. We have named this section ‘Speakers’ Corner’, inspired by the original Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, which is the world’s oldest free speech platform.
At the UKIFDA SHOW Speakers’ Corner, we will discuss not just careers but also future fuels, the impact of Donald Trump and the regulation of our industry.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Image supplied by UKIFDA
