Ryder Europe Launches new 3 year Trainee Technition Apprenticeship

Ryder invests in developing vehicle technicians
Ryder Europe is searching for 10 talented people to join their new Trainee Technician Apprenticeship programme. The programme has been updated with significant investment that will provide the best resources and support for trainee technicians.

“Throughout industry there is a shortage of apprentices and so we are continuing to make significant investment in growing skilled technicians who can be the future of our business,” said Peter Backhouse, Managing Director and Vice President of Ryder Europe.

“Our training is designed to develop not only the skills they need to perform as technicians, but support in learning life and business skills to enable them to progress their careers.”

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a Regional Assessment Centre in the North, South and Midlands, with 10 to 15 applicants attending each. Candidates will undergo structured interviews, behavioural tests and interactive group assessments.

The 10 selected will start their three-year apprenticeship in August 2007.
The programme is an excellent mix of on the job training in Ryder maintenance workshops and structured learning delivered through academic study at Bristol College.

The trainee technicians will attend the College for two-week periods, four times a year, with all costs met by Ryder. At College, they will study to complete the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 2 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

Buddies

Ryder has designed an internal development programme to continue the learning and development of the trainee technicians in the workplace. In the first year, each will be assigned an experienced technician as a ‘buddy’, the apprentice will shadow them and absorb their skills and experience.

In years two and three, each will be assigned their own mentor who will be
available to listen, challenge, and help the trainees review their progress and encourage them to make the most of their opportunities.

They will also attend technical and health and safety training programmes with the opportunity to complete their European Computer Driving Licence.

Support and guidance will be provided in life skills such as managing personal finances and dealing with customers. A toolbox will be issued to every trainee technician after their first six months with Ryder; this will contain all the required tools for a technician at the start of their career.

Those who successfully complete their apprenticeship will have the opportunity for further structured development through attending internal training programmes.
There will also be the opportunity to complete an additional year’s training at Bristol College, completing the IMI Certificate of Management, which focuses on the skills and behaviours needed to develop a career as a manager within the motor industry.

“We hope that by providing the best training, on an on-going basis, these young people will go on to become the backbone of our fleet maintenance business, and provide us with successors to our supervisory and management structure in the future,” commented Peter Backhouse.

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Notes to editors

For further information please contact Sally Canty on 023 8028 3255 or Helen Triggs on 020 7603 8573.