A haulage firm is offering a fully-funded apprenticeship to a would-be young lorry driver in a bid to tackle a national shortage.

P Lack Haulage Ltd is trying to attract younger lorry drivers into the industry because the company believes young candidates are being put off by the cost of obtaining a HGV licence.

Obtaining the necessary licence costs on average £1,500, and the haulier says that is making it difficult to get new and young drivers into the industry.

The company, which based in Great Barford, near St Neots, is owned by 28-year-old Phil Lack, who knows first hand how difficult it is to become a young HGV driver.

He said: “If nobody will give you a chance to obtain the experience then how are you ever going to be able to offer it?”

Last year, the Freight Transport Association launched a campaign to tackle the shortage of drivers, calling for better facilities for drivers, loans for training, and a concerted effort to raise awareness of the industry.

A spokesman for the association said: “There is a lack of people filling the void left by those leaving the industry. While the recession meant that there was a delay in the consequences of this lack of fresh recruits being felt, with the recovery the issue is now coming to a head.

“Sadly, not enough young people are considering driving as a career option. There are several reasons for this, including: the cost of licence acquisition, lack of understanding of the sector, poor sector image, driver medical requirements and low quality driver facilities.

P Lack Haulage Ltd was established in 2011 by Phil, then aged just 22. With a family history of HGV driving, he left his job within local radio to grow his own company. Having found his feet, Phil is now turning his attention to giving another young person the opportunity to move into the haulage industry by offering an apprenticeship that will see the lucky candidate achieve their own HGV licence along with additional training.

Once the apprentice has completed the training, the candidate will then be given a full time position within the company.

If you are interested in the position, send a CV and covering letter to phil@thepartydoctors.co.uk or for more information call 07929663495.