East Midlands Renault Truck distributors RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) is futureproofing its workforce by cultivating the next generation of talent in-house.

The business now employs 11 HGV technician apprentices across its three sites in Nottingham, Leicester and Alfreton.

All 11 apprentices are at various stages of their training with some of them in their second and third years of the HGV technician apprenticeship. This is the largest ever group of apprentices at RHCV, who employ a staff of 70 across its three sites.

The new apprentices, most of whom are still just 16, joined RHCV straight out of education and split their study between onsite training at RHCV and Stephenson College in Leicestershire, which was recently chosen by Renault Trucks UK to deliver its national apprentice programme.

Third year technician apprentice Gage Sludds (18) from Pinxton, joined the vehicle distributor straight out of school following in the footsteps of his grandad who also used to work with trucks.

He said: “RHCV is a great place to learn and work. Staff are always willing to help and encourage you, which really builds up confidence in what you’re learning.

“I have been provided with opportunities to develop new skills and I feel like a valued member of company.”

RHCV is also currently recruiting for experienced HGV technicians to join its teams, complementing the wealth of apprentice talent across its three sites.

Nigel Baxter, managing director at RHCV, said: “We have seen a growth in the market with local vehicle operators who need a local workshop reducing downtime for their vehicles. It has prompted sustained growth within the company including, more recently, a £400,000 investment in our Alfreton site to increase workshop space and add an ATF (authorised testing facility) for heavy and light commercials to meet the growing demand.

“Training and apprenticeship programmes add real value to our staff and our company. They allow us to continue to compete in an ever evolving and developing marketplace.

“We not only value our existing staff by up skilling them, but our new generation of recruits are equally as important to us faced with an aging workforce in the transport sector.”

RHCV is an authorised distributor for Renault Trucks and provides new and used sales, service and parts for the full Renault Trucks range as well as all-makes parts and servicing for commercial vehicles.

RHCV’s purpose built facilities in Nottingham delivers a full range of sales and aftermarket services including a dedicated paint shop and a designated ATF bay.

It also has a Leicester site which operates as a full Renault Trucks Repairer providing repair, maintenance and vehicle supply.