Next to Rekarnegymnasiet's premises at the gravel pit in Ekeby in Eskilstuna, it was swarming on Tuesday with young people dressed in yellow high-visibility clothes with numbers on the back. 20 students from as many upper secondary schools with transport programs competed for a place in the Swedish Vocational Championship for truck drivers.
"We've been training for a whole week for this," said home hope Brian Olsen.
Already received job offers
The students had to complete five practical elements and a theoretical test before the winner could be chosen. Practical elements included precision driving with a truck and forklift and loading safely.
The competition was organized by the trade association Transportfackens yrkes- och arbetsmiljönämnden, TYA. According to their estimates, there is expected to be a shortage of 50,000 truck drivers in ten years.
Brian Olsen isn't worried about the future when he graduates next June.
"I've already received some job offers," he says.
Watch the clip above to see students practice on the roadway.