I'm the UK's 'youngest' forklift driver aged 13

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has become one of the youngest people in the UK to qualify to drive a trio of massive machines.

Jake Campbell, from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, has passed the construction exams required to operate a telescopic forklift, a 30-tonne dumper truck and a quarry-loading shovel — despite still being at school.

The teen is no stranger to working with the monster machinery as he has helped on his family’s farm since he was four years old, working alongside dad Scott Campbell, and his two brothers Ryan, 18, and Will, seven.

The Fraserburgh Academy pupil picked up a Saturday job at local developers Colaren Homes who put him through the Construction Industry Training Board qualifications.

Proud Scott, 40, gave written permission which enabled his teenage son to take the test.

He added: “Jake took on these exams because he’s just keen to get stuck into everything he does.”

On passing the exams, Jake told the Scottish Sun he feels “pretty proud” over his achievement.

He said: “Passing these exams so young has been a big achievement.”

The youngster said he has been obsessed with tractors and quadbikes since before he could talk.

Colin Smith, managing director of Colaren Farms Ltd and Burnthill Quarry, said the average age of a machinery driver in Scotland is 57 and he believes Jake could well be the youngest in the country.

He added: “The government must do something – so hopefully Jake’s story will send a message that we need to make sure we provide opportunities for young people to get experience of driving all types of construction machinery.”

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200