Nationwide Fleet Academy launched
As many school and college leavers start planning for their futures outside the classroom, Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company and home to one of the largest independent fleets, has launched a nationwide Fleet Technical Academy to develop apprentices during the three year programme and beyond.
The latest figures published by the Automotive Council reveal that up to 5,0001 job vacancies in Britain’s automotive industry could be left vacant due to skill shortages, unless action is taken. As Business in the Community’s Responsible Business of the Year, Veolia’s fleet leadership team has acknowledged these potential shortcomings and to help bridge the gap has developed a brand new Technical Academy.
Focusing on HGV vehicle maintenance and repair to build technical skills, the new Fleet Academy opens its doors in February 2017 by announcing an initial 15 vehicle maintenance and repair apprenticeships across the country. These are available at Birmingham, Bromley, Bury, Cardiff, Croydon, Derby, Haringey, Padworth, Rochester, Sheffield, Southend, Telford, Tendring, Wembley and Widnes to start September 2017.
Marguerite Ulrich, HR Director at Veolia UK and Ireland, states: “Being home to the UK’s largest fleet, the shortcomings in vehicle maintenance skills across the UK is a future challenge we’re addressing now, to ensure we have the very best talent supporting our business going forwards. Our new Fleet Technical Academy has been established to not only acknowledge this potential skills gap and help solve it, but to ensure those interested in the sector can have a stimulating and rewarding career.
“Apprenticeships are finally getting the merit they deserve and with the combination of on-the-job-training and the ability to earn-while-you-learn they’re unparalleled. And it doesn’t stop there. At Veolia, by the end of the three year apprenticeship programme all apprentices will be supported to develop either higher technical or leadership knowledge and/or qualifications, with an opportunity to join various transport and engineering chartered bodies forming a development path for up to eight years.”
"Apprenticeships are finally getting the merit they deserve and with the combination of on-the-job-training and the ability to earn-while-you-learn they’re unparalleled"
The new Fleet Technical Academy utilises the new three year HGV Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship Standard. As apprentices join the Academy they will benefit from a one-week induction programme to: familiarise themselves with the technology and learning environment, gain an understanding of Veolia’s vast business and be health and safety trained, resulting in an The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) passport.
Additionally, all of our apprentices will be supported by a mentor who has been trained in offering coaching and guidance throughout the programme. As part of Veolia’s wider commitment to promoting and encouraging STEM careers personal development is encouraged for upskilling within the transport engineering industry.
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1 Skills shortage leaves up to 5,000 automotive industry jobs vacant, claims new report.