Summer 2006

The boom in internet shopping is aggravating an already acute shortage of goods vehicle drivers in the UK. This, at any rate, is the conclusion of an organisation called Instep Initiatives, which is the training arm of the Dundee and Tayside Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It points out that the UK already has a deficit of 17,000 LGV drivers, and reckons yet more will be needed for increased home delivery operations.

Its solution is to attract more women to this traditionally male stronghold, and it has secured funding from the European Structural Fund for a scheme called Women in Logistics. Under this scheme, women are trained up to full LGV (large goods vehicle) driving standard, and all costs are covered, including practical driver training and where necessary child care and travel expenses.

The only catch: applicants have to live in the Fife, Tayside and Grampian areas to qualify. Still, nice idea if they do.