Following a rigorous selection process and for the second year running DAF Trucks has been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and City & Guilds as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer.
The award was announced at The Skills Show at Birmingham’s NEC last week at which DAF Trucks was exhibiting.
David Way, Chief Executive of the NAS, congratulated DAF Trucks on their success saying: “Apprenticeships are the country’s gold standard for vocational training. With more higher degree-level apprenticeships, rigorous new standards and new financial incentives for firms, employers can be confident that apprenticeships will deliver for them.”
Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds added: “To be named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer is a sign of excellence and DAF Trucks should feel incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. I hope that other employers will be inspired by their success to discover the benefits apprenticeships can offer.”
The inclusion of DAF Trucks’ in the prestigious Top 100 list recognises the long-term commitment that the company has to apprenticeships through its flagship National Dealer Apprenticeship programme.
Managed by Skillnet and based at the City of Bristol College, the programme has developed and trained over 1,200 apprentices since 1995. Current and former students are now working as trainee or fully qualified technicians across the 130 strong DAF dealer network and a number have used their apprenticeship as a springboard to more senior management and supervisory roles.
“The DAF National Dealer Apprenticeship Programme is seen as a benchmark for apprentice training across the UK motor industry,” says Ray Ashworth, DAF Trucks managing director. “Over a three year period it combines on-the-job practical training with periods of intense study at the City of Bristol College and results in students achieving nationally recognised qualifications of the highest standard.
“The trucks we sell are technically very sophisticated and represent a significant capital investment for their operators,” he adds. “Keeping them running efficiently, cost effectively and safely is paramount for their owners. The hundreds of young technicians who have gone through our apprenticeship programme and who are now employed across our dealer network provides our customers with a clear measure of confidence that we can consistently deliver that level of support.”
