Renault Trucks UK has recognised the best performers in its Advanced Apprenticeship Options Programme

March 6, 2014: Renault Trucks UK has recognised the best performers in its Advanced Apprenticeship Options Programme at a dedicated Apprentice of the Year awards and graduation. The awards were presented to the highest achieving apprentice technicians in each of the three years of the programme at the Renault Trucks UK Head Office in Dunstable. The event coincided with the seventh National Apprenticeship week, which is designed to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, business and the economy.

The winners of the Apprentice of the Year awards were David Connor of Renault Trucks Cardiff for Year One; Jacob Bell of Clugston Distribution for Year Two and Matthew Long of RH Commercial Vehicles for Year Three. All three winners were praised for their commitment to the programme and achieving fantastic results throughout the past 12 months.

Gino Costa, Managing Director for Renault Trucks says: “The Awards ceremony is a great opportunity to credit the apprentices and graduates. Their enthusiasm and passion for the industry is highly commendable. Everyone should be proud of their efforts and what they have achieved.”

The Renault Trucks Advanced Apprentice Options Programme is delivered alongside training partner, Remit Group, and now has 65 apprentice technicians and 11 apprentice parts consultants. There are six key programmes made up of heavy vehicle technician, heavy vehicle trailer technician, parts consultant, business administration, service advisor and light/heavy commercial vehicle sales. All apprentices are directly employed within the Renault Trucks dealer network in workshops across the UK, and attend block release sessions at Renault Trucks’ training facility at Dunstable and Rearsby, Leicestershire.

Karen Bailey, Head of Competence Development at Renault Trucks UK says: “The involvement of the dealer network is vital. They appreciate the value of apprenticeships and are investing in the future of their staff as well as their business. The Renault Trucks Apprenticeship training promotes a genuine alternative to short term contract workers. On numerous occasions our apprentices have gone on to senior management positions, whether as technical roles, parts management or vehicles sales.”

Steve Knapp, The Renault Trucks Apprentice Programme Manager, says: “The value of an apprenticeship is combining a structured training programme which leads to nationally recognised qualifications. It also enables the apprentices to earn while they learn. The Renault Trucks Apprentice Programme gives young people a fantastic opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the industry from day one.”

Renault Trucks, in partnership with Remit Group, delivers Government funded apprenticeship training programmes for the Renault Trucks UK Network. In total 33 apprenticeships graduated from the scheme this year and received their final graduation certificates.