Leyland Trucks pledges armed forces hiring commitment

Leyland Trucks, a UK leader in commercial vehicle engineering and manufacturing, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, underscoring its commitment as a forces-friendly employer. The official signing was attended by Mrs. Amanda Parker JP, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, who joined Leyland Trucks and MoD representatives in formalising the pledge.

The Covenant was signed by Leyland Trucks MD Peter Ahrens and Lieutenant Commander Tom Pinfold PhD. Mrs. Parker and esteemed guests toured the Leyland assembly plant, witnessing the production of the full DAF vehicle range and drove one of Leyland Trucks’ new battery electric vehicles.

This world-leading facility, employing more than 1,000 people, carries a rich history dating back to 1896, including a legacy of producing historic vehicles such as the Centurion Tank. By signing the Covenant, Leyland Trucks joins more than 11,000 organisations across the UK that pledge to support veterans, service leavers, and their families as they transition into civilian employment. As a participant in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Leyland Trucks has already achieved Bronze award status, with aspirations to progress to Silver and Gold, demonstrating a long-term commitment to ex-forces personnel.

The company’s new HR policy, developed alongside the Covenant, ensures that ex-military applicants progress automatically to the interview stage, removing barriers often faced by veterans whose career backgrounds may not follow typical paths. Steven Goate, senior quality engineer at Leyland Trucks and veteran of the British Army’s Royal Logistics Corp who served with units of the Royal Engineers, Royal Army Medical Corp as well as the RLC, applauds the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, “The military instils discipline, time management, and professionalism – all skills that employers value. However, the forces can be somewhat institutionalising, which makes it challenging for ex-military personnel to confidently market themselves when transitioning to civilian life.

Leyland Trucks has given me the chance to put these skills to use in a meaningful way, and I’d recommend them to anyone with a military background.” Steven, who joined Leyland Trucks in 2019, has found a true sense of belonging and purpose in his role. He explains, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

Leyland Trucks genuinely respects the skills and mindset that come from military experience, which truly sets them apart as an employer. “During my 12 years in the military, I had the privilege of witnessing historic events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, serving in the first Gulf War, touring in former Yugoslavia, and even setting up a distribution centre for military spares in Poland. When I left the forces in 1999 to start a family, my wife and I began making regular trips to the North West with our daughter’s autism group, and we fell in love with Lancashire.

For anyone with a military background, Leyland Trucks is a fantastic employer at any stage of your career.” Mrs. Parker said: “I have cherished memories of Leyland Motors that go back to my hockey days, so it’s truly a proud moment to be here recognising the incredible work you’re doing as a business.

I hope the commitment of Leyland Trucks as an armed forces champion inspires others to follow suit in supporting our ex-service members as they transition to civilian life. Best wishes on your journey to achieving Silver and Gold status – I look forward to being here when you receive that next milestone. Thank you for all that you do.”

Part of PACCAR’s global group of businesses, Leyland Trucks aligns with a broader mission to support veterans, which is reflected in PACCAR’s participation in the “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative in the US. Through its dedication to the Covenant, Leyland Trucks is eager to mirror these values in the UK, setting the stage for inclusive and supportive employment practices. The ceremony also included representatives from the MoD: Warrant Officer Michael Leonard, Sergeant Steve Garrett, Lance Corporal Laura Butcher of 127 Company, and Kerryanne Wilde, Regional Employer Engagement Director (Cumbria & Lancashire).

During the event, Mrs. Parker presented Mark Scott, Leyland Trucks’ armed forces champion and quality engineer, with his King’s Coronation Medal. Mark began his military service with the Royal Engineers before transitioning to a Light Aid Detachment (LAD) REME unit in Newcastle, where he worked extensively on the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with the Royal Artillery.

Currently serving as a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) with 127 Company in Manchester, Mark is also participating in a pilot scheme – a two-year course with Cornwall College – to evaluate the benefits of trainee reservists working on DAF Trucks at the college. Peter Ahrens, MD at Leyland Trucks said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant marks an important milestone in Leyland Trucks’ long history of supporting our community and our country. We’re committed to providing meaningful pathways for ex-forces personnel to transition into civilian careers where they can apply the unique skills and discipline they’ve developed.

This is a vital part of our culture at Leyland Trucks, and we’re excited to build on it as we work toward the next levels of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. “We are especially grateful to Mrs. Amanda Parker JP, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, for attending and helping us celebrate this meaningful step in our journey.

Her support underscores the importance of welcoming veterans into the workplace, and we were honoured to have her join us as we continue to shape a supportive and inclusive environment for those who have served.”

Leyland Trucks also recognises the value of veterans’ skills in post-COVID workplace trends, particularly in leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

By welcoming ex-forces personnel, the company aims to attract talent at various career levels, from apprentices to senior leaders, and enhance the dynamic and collaborative environment it fosters.