Ryder, the independent provider of commercial vehicle rental, contract hire, and maintenance services, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its National Apprentice Programme.
Launched in 1994, the scheme has since employed a total of 245 apprentice technicians across the company’s 21 UK service locations.
Each year it receives around 160 applications for its 10-12 apprenticeship vacancies nationwide.
Each apprentice undertakes the IMI Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair and assists qualified technicians in the preventative maintenance and repair of Ryder’s commercial vehicle fleet. They attend Stephenson College in Coalville, Leicestershire, on a block-release basis, with those who perform well having the opportunity to continue their training on Level 4 Diploma or Level 4 HNC courses.
Throughout their learning, they are assigned a one-to-one mentor for three years to coach and support their development.
Catherine Steel, Human Resources Director at Ryder, says: “I have a real soft spot for our Apprenticeship Programme. Back in 1994 when we started out, apprenticeships had a very poor image. The scheme was redeveloped in 2004 to become a professional National Trainee Programme to give our Technicians the best career start with Ryder. Then in 2012, we partnered with Stephenson College with a clear focus on continuous improvement and lifelong learning. Today, the Ryder Apprenticeship Programme is a professional, award-winning scheme that has transformed the careers of our young Technicians and the business as a whole.”
