Renault Trucks expands apprenticeship programme
Renault Trucks UK is expanding its apprenticeship programme with four new career pathways. The routes cover van technician, parts, customer service and sales roles across its dealer network. The move steps up the company’s investment in the next generation of commercial vehicle talent.
The new programmes build on the established Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship. They open up opportunities across the dealership. Dealers gain new ways to recruit and develop people in roles that drive workshop productivity, aftersales performance and the customer experience.
GTG Training delivers the apprenticeships in partnership with Renault Trucks. The first cohorts began in September 2026, and the rollout continues through to 2027. Recruitment for 2027 apprentices will open shortly. Where numbers allow, GTG Training will run dedicated Renault Trucks cohorts. The training follows Renault Trucks’ brand standards and meets the needs of its dealer network.
Angie Morgan, HR & Competence Development Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “The skills needs of our dealer network extend right across the business, so we want to create more ways for talented people to enter the industry, develop recognised skills, and build a long-term career with Renault Trucks.
“By broadening our apprenticeship programme beyond the traditional heavy vehicle technician route, our dealers can grow talent in the areas where they need it most. At the same time, apprentices have a clear route into a sector that offers tremendous variety and opportunities for progression.
“This is a long-term investment in the strength of our network. Developing people from the outset helps us build the technical knowledge, customer focus and commercial understanding our businesses will need in the years ahead.”
Four routes into the dealer network
The Van Technician Apprenticeship lasts two years and leads to a Level 2 Autocare Technician qualification. Apprentices can then progress to a further year at Level 3 Light Vehicle Technician. They develop practical skills in vehicle servicing and maintenance, braking, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and vehicle safety. They also gain introductory knowledge of hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Training combines workplace learning with block release at the Renault Trucks UK Training Academy in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Apprentices spend a week there at the beginning of each learning cycle. They then apply their new skills within their dealership.
The Parts Apprenticeship is based on the Level 2 Trade Supplier standard and runs for approximately 12 to 15 months. It suits people who work in dealership parts departments, trade counters and distribution environments. The programme combines parts and stock knowledge with customer service, sales, logistics, digital systems and workplace compliance.
The new Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship will develop customer-facing employees across the network. It covers communication, understanding customer needs, digital systems, teamwork, complaint handling and professional conduct. Apprentices apply their learning directly within their truck centre throughout the programme.
The Sales Apprenticeship provides a route into vehicle sales. It extends the programme across the commercial functions of the dealer network.
Building on investment at Whetstone
The expansion follows the opening of the purpose-built Renault Trucks UK Training Academy at Whetstone in January 2025. The site represents a major investment in apprentice and technician skills across the network. It includes a fully equipped workshop that can hold up to seven vehicles, four flexible classrooms and dedicated practical training equipment. Apprentices and experienced technicians train in a manufacturer-specific environment.
Mandla Ndhlovu, Renault Trucks Technical Academy Manager UK & Ireland, says: “Whetstone has given us a dedicated environment where apprentices can learn using Renault Trucks vehicles, technology and systems, and then take that knowledge back into the workplace and put it into practice.
“Since opening the Academy, we have seen how valuable that combination of manufacturer training and day-to-day dealer experience can be. Apprentices are learning in an environment that reflects the vehicles and technology they will encounter throughout their careers.
“The new van programme is an important extension of that approach. As vehicle technology continues to develop, we need to make sure the skills pipeline develops with it, giving apprentices the foundations they need today as well as a route to continue progressing in the future.”
The existing Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship remains part of the programme. It offers a three-year route into a qualified technical career. Renault Trucks dealerships employ the apprentices, who combine hands-on workshop experience with structured training at Whetstone.
Developing future careers
The expansion reflects the success of the current apprenticeships in developing talent and building long-term careers. William Wood completed a Renault Trucks apprenticeship in 2025 and is now an LCV Sales Executive at RH Commercials. He says: “I started this apprenticeship with no prior knowledge or experience in the commercial vehicle industry, and very little sales experience. By the end of the qualification, I had built a very strong foundation of industry, product, and organisational knowledge to take forward into my career.”
“My favourite aspect of the apprenticeship was the mix of studying as well as on the job training. I found it highly beneficial to have training days and complete coursework that I could then apply to the everyday job.”
“By the end of the apprenticeship, I was already independently meeting with customers, selling vehicles, and overseeing customer orders. RH Commercial vehicles supported me throughout the qualification and upon qualifying, I moved into the full-time LCV sales role. Renault Trucks are an amazing company to work for and continue to support my growth and future career beyond completing the apprenticeship.”
