Enterprise Flex-E-Rent has recruited 15 new apprentices in the UK and Ireland for its two-year Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) programme.
- The recruitment aligns with the company’s strategy to address the skills shortage in the vehicular industry.
- This initiative follows their earlier recruitment of over 100 Commercial Vehicle Technicians in May.
- Designated ‘buddies’ from existing staff will mentor the new apprentices throughout their training period.
- The programme aims to provide structured career pathways, supporting long-term career progression within the company.
In response to the ongoing skills shortage in the vehicular industry, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent has embarked on a strategic initiative by recruiting a new cohort of 15 apprentices to join its two-year Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) mechanic or panel beater programme in the UK and Ireland. This move is part of a broader strategy to nurture specialist apprenticeships, providing crucial support to an industry facing personnel challenges.
Earlier this year, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent successfully integrated over 100 Commercial Vehicle Technicians, who have now completed their training and are actively contributing to the company’s operations. This previous success underscores the company’s commitment to developing a robust pipeline of skilled technicians.
The apprentices will be stationed across Enterprise Flex-E-Rent depots located in strategic locations including Shrewsbury, Gloucester, Southampton, Exeter, East London, and Limerick. Each apprentice is paired with an experienced ‘buddy’ from the existing workshop or bodyshop team, ensuring they receive consistent support and guidance throughout their educational journey.
Danny Glynn, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s Vice President, highlighted the challenges in finding qualified technicians and the importance of their apprenticeship programme. “Finding qualified technicians is a growing challenge across the UK and Ireland. Our apprenticeship programme is vital to building a steady stream of talent as we continue to grow as one of the leading commercial vehicle specialists,” he stated. This initiative is not merely about fulfilling immediate staffing needs but is also a crucial investment in the future capabilities of the company.
The programme’s design is such that it attracts a diverse range of applicants, including those under the age of 18. This inclusive approach is intended to broaden the company’s talent pool and offer opportunities to young individuals at the onset of their careers. Jack Horne, based at Nairn and one of the apprentices, conveyed his enthusiasm: “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn valuable skills and see how my career can grow.”
Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s programme provides a comprehensive two-year career pathway, with the potential for apprentices to advance to Master Technician level and management roles. Historically, the company has retained a significant number of its trained apprentices as permanent staff, with 47 of the current 250 technicians having progressed through the apprenticeship scheme. Glynn remarked on the programme’s success: “Our continuing focus on career development and promote-from-within culture has led to retention levels for apprentices doubling over the past year.”
This recruitment drive reflects Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s broader ambition to secure a prominent position in the commercial vehicle rental sector through enhanced services and skilled personnel. The company was ranked 15th in the annual RateMyApprenticeship Best 100 Employers for 2024-25, highlighting its commitment to nurturing early careers.
Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s commitment to training apprentices underscores its strategic vision to address industry skill shortages and foster career development.
