More than 300 LGV driver apprenticeships are being created by the Co-op in response to the current crisis.
The programme will run for 12-15 months across the UK, with drivers becoming fully operational after three months.
Starting salaries will range between £23,753 and £25,584, depending on location, the PA news agency reports.
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Co-op Food chief executive Jo Whitfield said: "The transport sector needs long-term sustainable change. Through our apprenticeship programme we'll be able to help driver recruitment by attracting new talent and make the sector more appealing to younger people.
"These apprenticeships are part of our broader apprenticeship commitment at the Co-op to improve social mobility.
"I'm pleased to see the Co-op leading the way and the last few months have only stressed the importance of drivers who are not only providing a service that is so vital for our business but for society as a whole."
Minister for skills Alex Burghart added: "It's great to see Co-op continuing to invest in apprenticeships with the creation of 300 LGV apprentice roles.
"Apprenticeships are a superb way to launch careers or upskill in a wide range of key industries, and crucially help to plug workforce shortages by providing people with high-quality training in the skills businesses need to thrive."
