The next generation of talented technicians who have completed the Volvo Trucks apprenticeship have graduated.

A ceremony to celebrate the achievement was held at De Montfort Hall in Leicester.

In total, 65 apprentices were welcomed onto the stage at the Volvo Trucks Apprentice Awards 2022.

The talented technicians were joined by distinguished figures including Volvo Trucks head of customer support, Mark Palin.

Specifically, the recruits gained their three-year Level 3 IMI apprenticeship, which was supported by Remit Training.

The course involves classroom and practical work, finishing with a two-day assessment.

Therefore, the graduates have completed a wide selection of tasks on their way to their qualifications.

This year Volvo Trucks led the way nationally, with Will Guest of Hartshorne Group landing the UK’s first distinction. 

Furthermore, there were three further graduates achieving distinction grades soon after Guest.

Karen Bailey, head of competence at Volvo Trucks, said the talented technicians would ‘form the bedrock’ of the company.

“It was a particularly challenging period for these apprentices,” she explained. 

“They had to cope with the added pressures and disruption from the coronavirus pandemic, but it hasn’t held them back.

“Our results this year have been fantastic. 

“In addition, we were also delighted to have three female technicians come through the scheme.”

Meanwhile, Bailey confirmed that next year the company is launching a ‘Women in HGV’ initiative. 

As a result, Volvo was looking for more than 10 female apprentices to introduce to the industry.

“Volvo Trucks has always recognised the value that apprenticeships can bring to the business,” added Bailey. 

“Each year, we have around 100 young men and women who come through our apprentice scheme. 

“All of whom will go into full-time employment as fully qualified HGV technicians.” 

Concluding, Bailey said Volvo was looking to increase those numbers over the coming years.