4KS Forklift Training, based in Benedict Square, in Werrington, is offering up to 20 placements for youngsters leaving care.

The offer comes as vacancies for forklift drivers is growing in Peterborough which is home to array of industries and distribution centres where forklift truck operators are needed.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, who was invited to tour the training centre, said: “What the team is doing in giving young people leaving care in our city and beyond free training is tremendous.

“This could potentially give 20 young people, who are still unsure what they want to do, a skill for life.

“When you look at the number of fork lift operator vacancies in and around Peterborough, this is almost like a guaranteed job.”

But Mr Bristow said the initiative by 4KS could be followed by other city employers.

He said: “We can be more ambitious.

“Local companies needing drivers could use the Kickstart scheme, and the £1,500 that comes with it, to train young people on Universal Credit to become drivers with their company.

“This could help fill these vacancies and give young people a chance to excel in a new career.”
Sheikh Miah, operations manager at 4KS, which trains forklift truck drivers for companies that include Primark, Lidl and AM Fresh, said: “We have 20 free training placements for young people who are not employed or might not have qualifications and need help.”

It costs about £450 to get a licence thought a traing scheme of four to five days.

Mr Miah added: “There is currently a very high demand for forklift truck drivers in Peterborough.”