Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) is offering three apprenticeship roles with hands-on training in its fleet servicing workshops amid a shortage of skilled technicians in the industry.

The Northampton-based contract hire and fleet management company runs workshops on behalf of local authorities and has a network of engineers and technicians to support its customers’ fleets and keep them running smoothly.

SFS currently has vacancies for a Commercial Vehicle Apprentice Technician in each of its three workshops at Kettering, Brackley in Northamptonshire and Hinckley in Leicestershire.

The apprentices will have the chance to gain a NVQ Level 3 in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics and become a workplace technician, trained in all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repairs on HGV and light commercial vehicles.

It will equip them with the ability to inspect, maintain and repair vehicles - from a 32-tonne refuse lorry to a lawnmower - to ensure roadworthiness.

SFS’ head of engineering Mark Kellett said: “There is a huge shortage of skilled technicians in this field, so these roles are like gold dust at the moment. This is a promising career to go into as the industry will always need these technicians.

“Apprenticeships offer great opportunities for young people. I myself was one in 1990 as an apprentice mechanic and it set me up for a long and successful career. I’m now in charge of engineering at SFS.

“These apprenticeships would suit school-leavers who don’t mind working with their hands, being a problem solver and using technical pieces of equipment. We will train them in everything they need to do the job well.”