A new lorry driving course has been 'life-changing' for a Bury St Edmunds man who has now hit the roads to fill a 100,000 person gap in the market.

West Suffolk College has seen its first four recruits pass their brand new course to fill the current lorry driver recruitment void.

East Anglian Daily Times: West Suffolk College has seen its first four recruits pass their brand new course to fill the current lorry driver recruitment void.West Suffolk College has seen its first four recruits pass their brand new course to fill the current lorry driver recruitment void. (Image: DMP)

Bury St Edmunds man Danny Millard, 28, was the first to successfully pass the course having lost his job in March 2020 and has since been living on universal credit.

"I've always had a thing for lorries and I was over the moon and excited when I made it onto the course," said Mr Millard.

"This has changed me and my families' life forever.

"It all feels like a big dream. I can't thank everyone involved enough."

East Anglian Daily Times: Danny Millard, 28, with his instructor Sam Page.Danny Millard, 28, with his instructor Sam Page. (Image: DMP)

After an initial assessment, the college offers support in multiple areas such as customer service, employability and the theory test. 

An industry expert then teaches the driving side of the course which, in total, takes 12 weeks.

The partnership is being funded by the West Suffolk College education education budget and the Department for Work and Pensions.