New, multi-million pound DAF training facility opens in Nottingham
DAF Trucks is opening the doors to a new, multi-million pound apprentice training centre in Nottingham. With training provided by Skillnet, the DAF Apprentice Academy represents a GBP3.5 million investment into a brand-new development and facilities, and becomes the new home for the popular DAF Apprenticeship Programme - celebrating its 30thanniversary in 2025. Training for a small number of DAF Apprentices commenced on-site in early January, while an official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony takes place on Thursday 13th February at the Thane Road address just outside Nottingham city centre.
The opening of the DAF Apprentice Academy coincides with National Apprenticeship Week from 10th to 16thFebruary. DAF Trucks will also continue its ongoing relationship with training provider, Skillnet; a partnership which has been in place for 18 years. Skillnet's training curriculum is set against nationally recognised qualifications, while providing support and updates for the duration of the DAF Apprenticeship Programme; Skillnet also assists in apprentice recruitment.
Next-level training; facilities and people The DAF Apprentice Academy will deliver dedicated, next-level training for DAF Apprentices from across the DAF Dealer network. Importantly, the DAF Apprentice Academy provides training exclusively to the DAF brand and no other automotive marque.
Training pathways will be provided across Technician, Parts, Service, Business Administration and Departmental Manager disciplines. Purpose-designed and built facilities include a full-length 18-bay workshop with state-of-the-art tooling and equipment, 11 fully equipped classrooms, a cafeteria to cater for 100 people, a gym-standard locker / washroom and a large recreational area. The investment in the new location is indicative of the growth of the DAF Apprenticeship Programme over recent years; 500 individuals are confirmed to attend training courses at the new DAF Apprentice Academy in its first year.
To date, 2400 individuals have graduated from the DAF Apprenticeship Programme, with many going on to pursue lengthy careers at DAF Trucks and the DAF Dealer network, including senior management roles. Staffing at the new DAF Apprentice Academy comprises a Centre Manager and Safeguarding Lead who oversee eight Tutors in conjunction with a further nine Regional Skills Coaches who support the apprentices via visits to dealer locations, managed separately by a Skill Coach Lead. Many are being employed locally alongside Administration, Catering, Cleaning and Security personnel.
30-years - Project 95
2025 brings up 30-years since the establishment of the DAF Apprenticeship Programme; widely recognised today as the truck industry's pre-eminent training scheme for vehicle technicians. To mark the anniversary, DAF Apprentices will embark on a full truck restoration project to bring a DAF 95 chassis back to showroom condition. This year represents another milestone for DAF Trucks as the company maintains its market-leading status in the UK which began in 1995.
"I'm extremely proud to be leading a new era in our apprenticeship development," said Matt Coates, Training & Apprenticeships Manager at DAF Trucks, who has been responsible for creating the new DAF Apprentice Academy, "Our previous location in Bristol set the benchmark for our apprentice training, though it became clear we needed a larger, more centrally located facility to better accommodate the growth of the DAF Apprenticeship Programme".
"This is a significant joint investment from both DAF Trucks and Skillnet," he said, "and the result, I believe, is nothing short of the best, dedicated seat of learning for young people in the commercial vehicle industry.
More than ever, young people can enter the truck industry with DAF Trucks and be confident that they are embarking on an exciting opportunity with the potential of a progressive, fulfilling career."