According to a statement from the company, new hires will be selected through a screening and assessment process by Challenge Group’s West Midlands-based training organisation Phoenix Training Services, who will then deliver the Fortec training package at Fortec’s distribution centre in Northamptonshire. 

The aim is for local unemployed candidates to undergo training in a real-time environment, through an eight-day training course – three of them classroom-based and five days’ practical. After completing the course, recruits will receive a Counterbalance Licence, as well as industry-recognised qualifications.

The successful trainees will then have the chance to join Fortec, initially on a temporary basis with a view to making the role permanent after three months.

When recruiting and screening, Phoenix has committed to looking at the wider issues of employment, such as integrating people back into work if they are lone parents, or have issues with transportation or family commitments, and providing support where necessary.

• Comment below on this story. You can also tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend. Our editorial email is [email protected]