HGVs have been a hot topic in Bridgwater in recent weeks after EDF gained permission to increase the number of lorry movements to and from Hinkley C by up to 250 a day.

However while residents and many councillors have been angered, the move will open doors for new HGV drivers.

UK-wide there is an acute shortage of HGV and LGV licences to meet the growing demand for deliveries, as well as the fact many current HGV drivers are approaching retirement age.

This reduction of jobseekers applying to join the industry is attributed, by some, to the profession seeing regulatory hurdles such as the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which requires lorry, bus and coach drivers to do 35 hours training every five years, and increased on-the-job training.

In addition, a more rigorous process of testing to reach the required driving standard would-be heavy goods drivers is proving too much of a hurdle for some.

Backline Logistics, a regional logistics-centred recruitment business is looking to address these challenges. By providing opportunities through localised training or finding appropriate employment for newly passed drivers, in particular ex-forces personnel, they are assisting more jobseekers get a foothold in this essential industry.

One example of this is driver Billy Davey who had spotted an advertised vacancy in Cannington. Billy, a forces leaver who had completed his final tour of duty, was experiencing difficulties finding work as he had no commercial experience. Despite this, Somerset-based Cannington Enterprises, a client of Backline's, were willing to give him an opportunity. James Spens, transport manager for Cannington Enterprises, and himself an HGV licence holder, helped Billy into the job. Billy has now successfully completed his period and is starting with Cannington as a fully-fledged employee.

Billy said: “I was unsure as to my ability at the start but James gave me the confidence to get through the initial weeks. I was taking 11 or 12 hours to complete the rounds and now I’m down to eight or nine at the most. They are also looking to put me through my class one articulated lorry test which I'm really looking forward to.”

Cannington had been experiencing difficulty in filling the vacancy, despite a salary above the national average. James Spens said: “Backline introduced Billy to us and, admittedly, at first we were hesitant due to his lack of experience. However, Billy’s attitude was that he simply wanted to get stuck in and this is all we can ask for. We know the people are out there, the industry just needs to reach out and give people the confidence to go for it.”