In recent months, some of the major commercial vehicle manufacturers have opened technical training centres in the UK, offering a modern environment to deliver practical and theoretical training to apprentices and technicians.
With much time, effort and money invested in these facilities, it shows a willingness by vehicle makers to develop employee skills in traditional and emerging vehicle technologies as they look to stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.
MAN Truck & Bus UK, for example, this month opened a dedicated Experience and Technical Training centre in Trafford Park, situated on the 8.7-acre grounds of its Manchester dealership.
All trainees receive training that integrates practical hands-on experience, classroom learning, and access to digital in-workplace courses tailored to MAN’s requirements.
Housed within the new facility are dedicated electric vehicle bays, offering specialised areas for hands-on trainee and technician training.
Additionally, the facility features a dedicated room for high-voltage battery maintenance, equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools for working on electric vehicles.
Apprentices and technicians work exclusively on MAN trucks and vans, and can qualify in electric vehicle maintenance, meeting MAN’s High-Voltage Electric Vehicle (HV-EV) standard training requirements.
The new experience centre, which includes a modern kitchen, canteen, chillout space, showers, and changing rooms, also gives service, parts, sales, and management delegates access to classroom training.
In addition, there is space for staff to meet with customers during new vehicle handovers.
Ben Jones, Head of Learning MAN Truck & Bus UK, said: “This outstanding new facility has six innovative learning rooms and a state-of-the-art workshop for eight vehicles. It also features a dedicated area for electric vehicles.
“This provides us with the ideal environment to deliver up to four courses at once.
“I believe this considerable investment from MAN provides the best dedicated seat of learning for young people and existing technicians in the commercial vehicle industry. MAN has made a significant investment in this program.
“This ensures that young people can enter the commercial vehicle industry with confidence, knowing they are embarking on an exciting and rewarding opportunity.”
In February, DAF Trucks opened its new apprentice training centre in Nottingham, in a £3.5 million investment.
Located on Thane Road, just outside Nottingham city centre, the DAF Apprentice Academy has an 18-Bay workshop equipped with stooling and equipment, providing apprentices with hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Additionally, there are eleven fully equipped classrooms for theoretical learning.
Parts and service training equips apprentices with the knowledge to manage parts inventory and deliver exceptional customer service.
Meanwhile, the centre’s business administration trainers prepare individuals for roles in the administrative and managerial aspects of the automotive industry, while management courses train future leaders to oversee various departments within the DAF network.
In addition, the site houses a cafeteria accommodating up to 100 people, gym-standard locker and washroom facilities, and a recreational area, all contributing to the holistic learning environment.
Over the past 30 years, the DAF apprenticeship programme has seen 2,400 individuals successfully graduate, with many advancing to senior management positions within DAF and its dealer network.
In its inaugural year, the new academy is set to train 500 apprentices.
To deliver a curriculum aligned with nationally recognised qualifications, DAF has also partnered with Skillnet to ensure apprentices receive a top-tier education.
Matt Coates, Training and Apprenticeships Manager at DAF Trucks, said: “Our previous location in Bristol set the benchmark for our apprentice training, though it became clear we needed a larger, more centrally located facility to better accommodate the growth of the DAF apprenticeship programme.
“This is a significant joint investment from both DAF Trucks and Skillnet, and the result, I believe, is nothing short of the best, dedicated seat of learning for young people in the commercial vehicle industry.
“More than ever, young people can enter the truck industry with DAF Trucks and be confident that they are embarking on an exciting opportunity with the potential of a progressive, fulfilling career.”
Also, Renault Trucks opened a new training centre in Whetstone, Leicestershire, in January, to deliver accredited and manufacturer-specific technical training programmes.
This is designed to ensure that all technicians and apprentices receive industry-recognised training that combines practical, hands-on experience with classroom-based learning.
The new training centre, which includes four flexible classroom spaces and preparation and printing rooms for trainers, has already welcomed a new cohort of apprentices recruited by its new apprenticeship partner, GTG.
It has the capacity to train up to six courses at a time and includes a fully equipped workshop space that can accommodate up to seven vehicles, along with static engine and component rigs for practical training.
Renault Trucks aims to ensure that at least 20% of technicians at its dealer locations are trained as apprentice technicians.
This new facility has a modern kitchen, shower and changing facilities, as well as a break-out area complete with a table football game and a games console, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all trainees.
Angie Morgan, HR and competence development director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland said: “The new Renault Trucks UK Training Academy in Leicester marks an exciting new chapter in our apprenticeship and technician training capacity and programme offer.
“This leading-edge facility will ensure that Renault Trucks is well-equipped to develop the next generation of skilled technicians, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive industry.”
Also this month, Dennis Eagle, the designer and manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) opened its new technical training centre in Warwickshire.
The new 4,900m2 site, situated near the business’ headquarters in Warwick, will offer a comprehensive programme of training courses for staff and customers, covering its RCVs, specialist recycling vehicles, and bin lifting systems from one centralised location.
It also houses multiple interactive spaces, a practical area, display area, and a customer handover space.
The expansion of the company’s facilities is anticipated to create several new jobs, including roles for engineers, technicians, training, and administrative employees.
Keith Day, Managing Director, Dennis Eagle said: “The expansion will act as an essential step forward in improving practical product knowledge and safety awareness among our customers and staff.”
With demand for skilled technicians on the rise, these facilities will equip apprentices and technicians with the skills they need for a successful career – with traditional vehicle technologies currently dominating the road, as well as those arriving in ever growing numbers.
