Member Article

Former apprentice turned Operations Director hails next generation

When Leyland Trucks’ operations director began work as an engineering apprentice in 1977, he hoped it would be the start of a fruitful career.

Almost four decades later and Peter Jukes is using his knowledge to support the next generation of apprentices.

Leyland Trucks is the UK’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles. The £570m revenue business based in the heart of Lancashire currently employs 16 apprentices and plans to recruit an additional six from September this year.

Mr Jukes said: “Gaining an apprenticeship is a valuable tool that enables you to enter the world of work equipped with the necessary skills to progress in your chosen career.

“Training as an apprentice proved a fantastic start to my career. Leyland Trucks helped me to progress and in return, I aim to use my experiences and expertise to nurture today’s young talent.”

He presented certificates to a trio of skilled Leyland Trucks apprentices, marking completion of their training.

Jake Foster from Hindley Green, Wigan, Robert Hall from Penwortham and Lewis Walker from Bamber Bridge, Preston completed an Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Heavy Vehicle with the help of the largest group training association (GTA) in England, Training 2000.

Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeships are specifically designed for those wishing to progress in a career in the motor industry, equipping them with the necessary technical knowledge and ability to deliver quality work.

Mr Jukes added: “As a traditional company with more than a century of expertise in automotive manufacturing, we’ve seen first-hand how Apprenticeships can help to attract fresh new talent.

“Training 2000 has helped to ensure that the education our apprentices receive mirrors our business needs and requirements, ensuring these individuals reach their full potential and have a real impact on productivity and performance.

“As part of our commitment to supporting future engineers, we’ve donated a Cummins 6.7 Litre Euro 5 engine to Training 2000’s automotive training centre to help further boost apprentice learning.”

Steve Hodgson, automotive business manager at Training 2000 added: “In an industry that’s in real need of talented young people, we’ve continued to supply Leyland Trucks with budding automotive and engineering apprentices.

“We’re delighted with the progress that Jake, Robert and Lewis have made and look forward to seeing how they develop in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .