New apprenticeship course at DaimlerChrysler

The course is aimed at delivering training towards technical qualifications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as Chrysler and Jeep. There will be individually branded apprenticeships for service technicians, parts apprentices and body and paint apprentices across all brands — excluding commercial vehicles. A new national apprentice academy will be designed and built to accommodate the programme, containing three workshops and six lecture halls. The academy will be based in the Midlands and is expected to be operating by September next year. John Bailey, head of training at DaimlerChrysler, said the programme was vital given the need to tackle skills shortages in the industry. He said: “Qualified technicians with an in-depth knowledge and a passion for their brand are the lifeblood of our organisation and play a key role in ensuring that our customers remain fully satisfied with their vehicle throughout the ownership experience.” DaimlerChrysler said it would be inviting its retail partners to transfer current apprentices onto the new scheme with further apprentices joining the programme in September.