Leyland Trucks has opened its recruitment process for this year’s intake of apprentices. The company is offering 24 apprenticeships this year, with applications invited online.
Part of the global PACCAR automotive group and responsible for designing and manufacturing DAF vehicles to serve customers in the UK and overseas, Leyland Trucks is an innovator in commercial vehicle technology. Many of the company’s current leadership team and senior management began their careers at Leyland Trucks on trainee schemes, and the business has a long track record of promoting from within.
This year’s recruitment process will see Leyland Trucks take on 12 assembly operator apprentices, six automotive engineer apprentices and two facilities and maintenance apprentices. The Leyland-based company is also on the lookout for two design engineer apprentices, who will work on new innovations for both diesel and electric trucks. Following the success of Leyland Trucks’ first ever supply chain apprentice in 2022, the company is also recruiting two new apprentices for this scheme in 2023.
‘The company is expanding the scheme across many departments and our goal with the apprenticeship scheme is to develop a new generation of talent to enable us to continue leading the industry across product development, vehicle technology, manufacturing quality and supply chain management,’ said Maria Rogers, HR and training advisor for Leyland Trucks. ‘Recruiting apprentices each year and creating opportunities for career development within the company and the wider PACCAR group means that we have the skills to achieve our commercial ambitions, along with robust succession planning.’
The 2023 intake of apprentices at Leyland Trucks will join a varied and successful cohort from 2022, who will be peer mentors for the new recruits. ‘My five-year degree apprenticeship allows me to work across the whole product group, gaining real life experience,’ said design engineer apprentice Alex Kaye-Harwood (pictured above), who was part of last year’s intake. ‘I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to study while working – I’m hands-on, putting my learning into practice every day – and my goal once I finish my apprenticeship is to become a chartered engineer.’
‘I work on the production line and get to put my learning into practice every single day,’ said Jake Gledhill, an assembly operator apprentice. ‘There are real progression opportunities here and that was clear from day one. I’m focused on completing my apprenticeship and working towards becoming a team leader and climbing the ladder.’
The apprenticeships on offer at Leyland Trucks are open to all ages, providing applicants meet the entry qualification requirements, and include degree-level apprenticeships, which are open to applicants with relevant level 3 qualifications, including A-levels or BTECs.
Alongside academic qualifications, the company is also seeking applicants with the drive and ambition to make a difference within Leyland Trucks and the automotive industry, with a positive attitude, enthusiasm for learning and a genuine desire to build a long-term career.
‘The apprenticeships we’re offering this year provide a choice of roles across our office and factory environments, with a commitment to training and long-term prospects,’ Rogers added. ‘It’s a fantastic opportunity to join a company at the forefront of a dynamic and technically advanced sector. It’s also a route into an international business with a proven track record in enabling apprentices to rise through the ranks and advance their skills aligned to their talents and ambition. We’re looking forward to meeting this year’s applicants and supporting them as they take their first steps on a rewarding career path.’
Applications can be made here. They close on Friday 3 March 2023.