Teenager Antony Parkes has proved to his bosses he's got what it takes to be a good driver - and has been rewarded with a £90k top-of-the-range truck.
Antony, of Glossop Avenue, in Mansfield, has been working as a mechanical apprentice with Ollerton-based Freelance UK Limited since the age of 16.
Three years later, he has completed specialist HGV driver training to earn his Class 1 licence as well as specialist licenses for access equipment (cherry pickers and scissor lifts).
Now he is being trusted with his own £90k truck, which Antony treats as his pride and joy. He drives it across the Midlands and the length and breadth of the country helping to move plant and access machinery.
Holly Porter, Director at Freelance UK, said: "Antony is already a very competent driver, who compliments our excellent team perfectly. There is a real shortage of young people within the industry. Many companies won't invest in young talent, but it is our opinion that if we don't invest in training young people, then our pool of drivers will just dry up. We, as a business, are willing to invest in anyone that possesses the right attitude."
The Renault range T truck was purchased from Nottingham-based Renault truck dealers, RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV).
Paul Pearson, commercial director at RHCV, said: "We're thrilled to be working with a company with an ethos for investing in a young workforce. We also believe in nurturing young talent and run an active apprenticeship programme."
