At a glittering graduation and awards ceremony, Renault Trucks UK celebrated the achievements of those apprentices and senior technicians who have completed their Apprentice and Master Technician training.  The event, held at Stephenson College, Coalville, Leicestershire also saw Gage Sludds of RH Commercials, named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 2017.

Gage Sludds Apprentice of the Year with Stephen Astill RHCV

Attended by Renault Trucks’ dealer directors and managers, as well as the participants’ friends and families, the event was hosted by Adam Plastow, Commercial Academy & Apprenticeship Manager with the awards presented by Commercial Aftermarket Sales Director, Derek Leech.

The Renault Trucks apprentice programme was set up to address the skills gap and to bring young people into the industry.  It gives apprentices an opportunity to gain Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Principles – a nationally recognised qualification – and for the Renault Trucks dealer network to attract young talent, as Adam Plastow explains: “The Apprentice Programme is a productive and effective way to grow the dealership’s own motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Many of today’s graduates will go on to senior management positions, whether in technical service, parts management or vehicles sales.“

The 18-month Master Technician Programme, awarded by the Institute of Motor Industry and the pinnacle of the Renault Trucks’ training programme, has a maximum of eight students per class due to the level of difficulty and intensity of training and includes six written and practical modules. Adam Plastow said: “The Master Technician Programme is the highest recognised technical level in the industry and it plays a pivotal role in developing the senior industry talent of the future.”

Renault Trucks

About the Author: John Loughran