Ryan FowlerVolvo Trucks has announced a new partnership with Middlesex University to launch the commercial vehicle industry’s first degree-level Truck Sales Apprenticeship.
The initiative will begin this September with six apprentices forming the first cohort.
The three-year programme combines practical experience at Volvo Trucks with academic support from a workplace mentor and a Middlesex University tutor. It has been developed to attract new talent and promote diversity in the truck sales workforce.
Hannah Mayo, director of new vehicle sales for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “We want to take responsibility for shaping the next generation of Volvo Trucks salespeople, by giving a group of apprentices the chance to develop their capabilities with us as they study, putting what they learn into practice right away.
“It will be a unique opportunity for them to discover more about themselves and their aspirations, whilst learning about our brand, the industry and what it takes to work in a truck-specific sales environment.
“Across our business there’s also a real drive to encourage greater diversity, because this brings together different ideas, different backgrounds and gives our team a more rounded approach.
“As the industry evolves, especially with new technologies like electric trucks, diversity in sales will strengthen our ability to adapt and succeed.”
The new sales apprenticeship complements Volvo Trucks’ existing UK and Ireland apprenticeship programmes, which recruit more than 100 apprentices annually across its Warwick head office and dealer network.
These include roles such as HGV technicians, parts advisors, sales administrators, customer service representatives and learning and development practitioners.
Middlesex University was chosen for its strong emphasis on employability and career-focused education. The university supports a global student body of 38,000 across campuses in London, Dubai and Mauritius.
This story first appeared on our sister title The Haulier.
