Norwegian road transport association NLF has been interviewing young professional drivers to better understand their career choices and aspirations. Here is the story of Emilie Høydal.
IRU member Norges Lastebileier-Forbund (NLF) has been speaking with heavy-duty vehicle drivers under the age of thirty to better understand their career choices, what they think about the future of transport, particularly as drivers, and whether they have any tips for others considering this profession.
Her story
Emilie Høydal did not have a typical start to her career in transport.
She first studied media and communications in high school. But after two years, she learned that it was not for her. So she dropped out and worked at a gas station for a while. She eventually decided to go back to high school to study technological and industrial production. This is where the magic happened.
Variety and challenge
While working with a salvage car transport operator, she realised that she really enjoyed being in a truck. So the following year, she completed her transport and logistics courses.
Emilie drove a dump truck for a short period of time but wanted more variety and challenge. She then landed an interview at Anlegg og Entreprenørservice AS (AOES), and here it “clicked” between Emilie and the employer.
During the interview, she was asked, “Are you ready to be challenged?" She smiled back and said, “Yes!”
Steep learning curve
Driving a plow truck is not easy, admitted Emilie.
“I had four days with an experienced driver, and then it was straight into the Trøndelag winter to clear roads! I learned a lot in a very short period of time. Not just the driving, which can be challenging, but also the maintenance of the equipment and the removal and installation of the plow. I think it probably helped that I grew up with two brothers and have been used to doing tough things like driving snowmobiles.”
Feel welcomed
Emilie is very happy with the work environment at AOES.
“I feel very well looked after as a young driver. I am treated just like one of the guys, asked to do the same things. But I am perhaps less afraid to ask when I have a question than my male colleagues. I easily get the answer,” said Emilie smilingly.
“The asphalt industry can be tough. There can be a lot of semi-problematic comments flying around at times, but you have to expect that. I answer them in the same manner, and they think it's funny.”
An ordinary day
The transport industry is not for late risers. Emilie’s day starts around 6am.
After loading at the asphalt factory outside of Trondheim, she either drives to places nearby in Trøndelag, such as Stjørdal, Steinkjer and sometimes as far as Tynset (over 170km away).
Emilie likes the long drives. She gets to listen to music, which ranges from rap to country. Other times, it's a good chat with a colleague, or maybe the boss calls to hear how things are going.
Great responsibility
As the driver of a truck weighing up to 50 tonnes, I have a lot of responsibility. I am perhaps most afraid of how my fellow road users in passenger cars are driving.
Like many other truck drivers, Emilie is fond of her vehicle and likes to keep it clean and tidy.
“It's about professional pride. Sometimes, I wash the vehicle during the holidays or my spare time. When there are calm days, my time is spent on maintenance and cleaning.”
Join me
Emilie does not hesitate to recommend the driving profession to young people.
“There is a lot of freedom in this job. It's also nice to know that you have a useful function in society – we're kind of important!”
Emilie also emphasises that it’s an inclusive profession. “I feel like I am well taken care of, everyone is so nice!”
“I couldn't find a better company than AEOS to work for, they help you to learn!”
She is especially thankful of her plant manager, Roger Larsen.
He always ensures that I have all the support I need, sometimes he just calls to ask, “Is everything ok, Emilie?”
Emilie wants to continue in the transport industry. She plans to take an additional logistics operator qualification.
This story was originally published by NLF.
