Leyland Trucks has welcomed 23 new apprentices into the organisation, taking on its largest and most diverse apprenticeship cohort in recent years.
Vacancies with the company – which is renowned across the industry and North West region as offering one of the highest quality apprenticeship schemes – went live earlier in the year, for roles including assembly operatives, automotive engineers, facilities and maintenance and design engineers.
Additional positions were then made available in HR, supply chain and business, as well as an extra design engineer role due to the excellent calibre of applications received for this position.
For a second year, Leyland Trucks is offering degree-level apprenticeships alongside a raft of other qualifications and is working closely with training providers across the region. Collaboration is undertaken with Preston College to ensure its courses include a greater focus on vehicle electrification to create a future proof qualification.
Maria Rogers, HR and training advisor for Leyland Trucks, said: “We received an impressive number of high quality applications for our apprenticeship scheme and it was fantastic to see a diverse breadth of candidates in terms of their interests and skills.
“We continually review business need and during the course of this year it became clear there were opportunities becoming available within different departments meaning that for first time we could offer apprenticeships in HR and supply chain management, as well as recruiting for a business support apprentice.
“The number of applications received is testament to the relentless hard work we put into making sure our apprenticeship scheme is one of the very best in the area, and it enables us to remain one of the leading contributors to our local economy. Our relationships with nearby colleges and universities are thriving, unlocking huge potential for the people who join us to learn highly sought-after skills. None of what our apprentices learn is mocked-up – it’s real-time, real-life projects working on the newest technologies, playing a genuine role in the future success of our business.”
Ashden Biddell, 16, has joined Leyland Trucks as an automotive engineer. He said: “I’ve had an interest in vehicles for a long time and when it came to considering my options after school, I knew I wanted to work in the industry. I visited Leyland Trucks on a school trip years ago and the memory has always stuck with me, so it made sense to explore their apprenticeship options. I was really pleased to get a position here.
“Currently, I’m tasked with creating parts, like valves, which get added to trucks on the assembly line but one of the best things about my apprenticeship is that I’ll join a new team every three months, so I’ll learn a whole host of new skills. Plus, it’s great to be gaining experience learning more about vehicle electrification, which is going to be so important to our future. I know that because of my apprenticeship, I’ll be armed with the qualifications that will change the future of manufacturing.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the next four years will shape my career – I can see myself spending many years here.”
Alex-Kaye Harwood, 20, is part of the body team working as a design engineer. She said: “Being from the local area, I’ve always known that Leyland Trucks is a key employer and that its apprenticeship scheme is one of the best you can join.
“I’ve a background in body building having worked for a local horse box manufacturing company and this is what I want to do for the remainder of my career. So, when the apprenticeship scheme at Leyland Trucks came available, I jumped at the opportunity; I knew I could further my education at the same time as getting on the job experience.
“The best part about working here is the support network that’s always around you. No matter which part of the business you’re working in, you know you have people to turn to for advice or for a helping hand if you need it.”
