How Total People and Go North West Are Driving Success Together

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When it comes to recruitment and training, finding the right people with the right skills is only part of the equation. 

Building a successful workforce often hinges on partnerships between employers and training providers that go beyond mere transactions and focus instead on shared goals. At Total People, we have been working closely with public transport operator Go North West, and supported further by Mercedes-Benz, to produce the next generation of maintenance technicians.

 

A Partnership Built on Shared Success

The Total People-Go North West partnership began in 2017 with a small cohort of apprentices. Over the years, it has grown into a strong and dynamic collaboration that now includes an annual intake of apprentices, as well as support in additional areas such as Leadership and Management training. "Our partnership is about an end-to-end service for them," explains Graham Watts, our Cluster and Performance Manager for Technical and Trades. "They can totally leave Total People to get on with helping them to produce the best of the best."

This partnership is not just about meeting today’s skills needs; it’s about preparing for the future. With over 50% of the workforce in the public transport sector set to retire by 2030, partnerships like this are critical to building a robust talent pipeline. As Martyn Walsh, Engineering Director at Go North West (GNW), highlights, "Our apprentices are helping Go North West because it’s boosted our talent pipeline; it’s bringing in fresh people into the industry and also breeds fresh ideas."

GNW’s commitment to the partnership is evident in their significant contributions. Most recently, they have donated a brand-new bus to Total People’s training facility, providing apprentices with hands-on experience on a state-of-the-art vehicle. That the bus is available to all Total People apprentices, regardless of who they work for, demonstrates how GNW is committed to making a broader impact on the industry.

 

Better for Employers

A critical part of the partnership for Total People was taking the time to understand exactly what GNW needed and tailoring their training to meet those needs. That personalised approach is what makes the partnership so effective.

Total People is now even helping GNW with recruitment, holding assessment days, assisting with interviews, and recommending candidates, managing the apprenticeship journey from start to finish. This comprehensive support means that GNW gets apprentices that not only meet industry standards but also thrive in their roles.

Gina Steele, Deputy Managing Director for Total People, emphasizes the importance of collaboration: "Successful delivery of the apprenticeship relies heavily on support and input from our employers. Without the support of committed employers, we would have no future technicians."

Mercedes-Benz has also contributed to the programme, donating a specialised training package to help ‘train the trainers.’ This ensures that Total People’s instructors are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, which they can pass on to the apprentices. This cascade effect further strengthens the quality of training provided.

 

The Impact on Apprentices

For apprentices like Georgia and Muhammad, the programme has been life-changing. "This apprenticeship will make a huge difference to my life," says Georgia. "It has brought out a lot of confidence in me and will help me build up a proper career."

Muhammad adds, "This apprenticeship gives me qualifications and skills that I can use for future jobs in this industry."

The practical, hands-on training offered by Total People is a standout feature. "The donation allows our learners to develop their knowledge and skills on state-of-the-art vehicles," explains Graham Watts. This means apprentices can take what they’ve learned back into the workplace and excel.

 

Why Partnerships Matter

Partnerships like the one between Total People and Go North West demonstrate that investing in apprenticeships is not just about filling immediate skills gaps—they are about building a sustainable future for industries and communities. "Make no mistake; these are the leaders of tomorrow," says Graham. "Partnerships such as these ensure the longevity of the industry."

Whether you need to upskill your existing employees or recruit fresh talent, Total People is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us on 03333 222 666 to build a stronger workforce.

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