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 £3.5 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.
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 £3.5 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. The opening of the DAF Apprentice Academy coincides with National Apprenticeship Week from 10th to 16thFebruary.
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.