In a significant advancement for the UK’s automotive sector, DAF Trucks has inaugurated a cutting-edge apprentice training centre in Nottingham. This £3.5 million investment underscores DAF’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the next generation of skilled professionals in the commercial vehicle industry.
The newly established DAF Apprentice Academy is set to become the cornerstone of DAF’s renowned Apprenticeship Programme, which proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. Strategically located on Thane Road, just outside Nottingham city centre, the facility commenced training sessions for a select group of apprentices in early January. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for 13th February, aligning with National Apprenticeship Week from 10th to 16th February.
Designed with the future in mind, the DAF Apprentice Academy boasts:
- 18-Bay Workshop: A full-length workshop equipped with state-of-the-art tooling and equipment, providing apprentices with hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
- Educational Amenities: Eleven fully equipped classrooms facilitate theoretical learning, ensuring a balanced approach to education.
- Recreational and Support Facilities: A cafeteria accommodating up to 100 individuals, gym-standard locker and washroom facilities, and a spacious recreational area contribute to a holistic learning environment.
The academy offers specialised training across various disciplines, including:
- Technician Training: Focused on developing expertise in the maintenance and repair of DAF vehicles.
- Parts and Service Training: Equipping apprentices with the knowledge to manage parts inventory and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Business Administration: Preparing individuals for roles in the administrative and managerial aspects of the automotive industry.
- Departmental Management: Training future leaders to oversee various departments within the DAF network.
Over the past three decades, the DAF Apprenticeship Programme has seen 2,400 individuals successfully graduate, with many advancing to senior management positions within DAF Trucks and its dealer network. In its inaugural year, the new academy is set to train 500 apprentices, reflecting the programme’s growth and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the sector.
To deliver a curriculum aligned with nationally recognised qualifications, DAF Trucks has partnered with Skillnet. This collaboration ensures that apprentices receive top-tier education, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge to meet industry standards.
Matt Coates, Training and Apprenticeships Manager at DAF Trucks, emphasised the significance of the new facility: “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, 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.”
The inauguration of the DAF Apprentice Academy in Nottingham marks a pivotal moment in automotive apprenticeship training. With its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse training programmes, and a legacy of excellence, DAF Trucks is poised to shape the future of the UK’s commercial vehicle industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
