The pioneering commitment of Mercedes-Benz to the training and development of its young people has been recognised at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which celebrate England’s elite apprentices and apprentice employers.
The company took the honours in the category for Large Employers with between 250 and 4,999 staff, in a ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.
Judges lauded the success of the Mercedes-Benz scheme, which has welcomed almost 3,000 apprentices for technician and parts specialist training since its inception in 1995 – 65% are still working within the manufacturer’s Dealer and Retailer network.
Mercedes-Benz was also named in the Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz for their success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent and dedication, and ensure that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.
“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope their involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.”
The Mercedes-Benz Programme, which also won the regional National Apprenticeship Awards prize for the East Midlands, has recorded 98% growth in the past four years. Launched 22 years ago with just 31 apprentices, it accepted a record intake of 253 students in 2016 at its purpose-built Training Academy in Milton Keynes, after receiving more than 6,500 applications for places.
With a completion rate of over 91% compared to the national average of 69%, the three-year, Advanced Apprenticeship Programme continues to build on its reputation within the training sector. It has achieved Grade One Outstanding status for Learner Outcomes from Ofsted and recorded an impressive score in the Annual Learner and Employer Satisfaction Survey, where more than nine out of ten students and companies said that they would recommend the Mercedes-Benz scheme to others.
Andrew Mallery, Training Operations Director, Mercedes-Benz, was delighted that the Programme had been recognised with the awards and inclusion on the Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list by the National Apprenticeship Service and looked forward to putting more young people on the road to successful motor industry careers.
“We are incredibly proud of the Programme and the opportunities that we are able to offer to ensure our Apprentice graduates become our stars of tomorrow,” he said. “Mercedes-Benz recognises that highly skilled and motivated employees are key to succeeding in serving and retaining our customers. With this in mind, the Programme will continue to support the needs of our organisation as it is an integral element of our future brand expansion.”
Andrew added: “This latest award and recognition would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of an exceptional team who make the Programme the success that it is. We hope that our success encourages other businesses to consider apprenticeships as a valuable asset to their companies too.”
In line with brand expansion and an ongoing focus to provide customers with an unrivalled retail and dealer experience, 16% continued year-on-year growth is forecast and there are now plans to expand the Programme into other disciplines.
Mike Belk, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, said: “Having our Apprentice Programme recognised and rewarded by the National Apprenticeship Service is a huge honour and an accolade we will promote with pride.
“Encouraging the next generation of young talent into our business and training them for the future is key to our future success. This ensures we continue to offer a level of service befitting the Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand.”
The National Apprenticeship Awards are made by the National Apprenticeship Service, which is part of the Skills Funding Agency, the government agency that coordinates apprenticeships in England, enabling young people to enter the skilled trades.
In November, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK was one of 34 organisations honoured with a Princess Royal Training Award, for successfully linking their skills development needs to business performance. The company was hailed for developing a training programme used not only to recruit a new sales force but also to fill a skills gap.
