Employers can build on foundational knowledge and equip staff with the skills needed to progress into fully qualified technician roles.
Across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and beyond, businesses are experiencing rising demand for advanced engineering skills. In fleet maintenance especially, the challenge is twofold; recruiting new talent to fill growing vacancies while also upskilling experienced staff to adapt to changing technologies.
From automation to green transport and electrification, the skills landscape is shifting. Many workshops rely on an ageing workforce whose expertise has been built around diesel engines. While this knowledge is invaluable, there is now an urgent need to develop new expertise in electric vehicles, diagnostics and sustainable maintenance practices.
Apprenticeships provide an effective solution to both problems.
Upskilling and recruitment in fleet maintenance
For fleet operators, keeping vehicles roadworthy and future-ready requires a pipeline of skilled technicians. Apprenticeships offer cost-effective recruitment to attract new talent into the sector, while also providing existing staff with the opportunity to retrain and progress.
Semi-skilled workshop staff already bring valuable experience and practical know-how. Through Level 3 programmes such as the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician, Bus and Coach Engineering Technician or Engineering Maintenance Technician, employers can build on this foundation and equip existing staff with the diagnostic, problem-solving and technical skills needed to progress into fully qualified technician roles.
Responding to regional priorities
The Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) highlights green skills, sustainability, robotics and automation, and electrical engineering as priority areas for development.
What’s more, the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 has set the target of a carbon neutral city-region by 2038, with cleaner vehicles and more sustainable infrastructure. Skilled technicians will be central to achieving this by maintaining electric vehicles, servicing public transport fleets and supporting low-emission technology. Apprenticeships provide a direct pathway to developing this expertise in-house.
By supporting employees through apprenticeships, businesses are not only addressing their own skills gaps but also contributing to the region’s wider ambitions.
Learning while earning
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with expert training in modern facilities, such as our training facility in Wythenshawe, giving employees the chance to apply new techniques directly in the workplace. Staff gain confidence and competence in areas that strengthen workshop teams and boost business resilience, such as diagnostics, sustainable maintenance practices and precision engineering.
For employers, this means minimal disruption and maximum return on investment, with 95% of the cost of training funded by the government.
A strategic investment
For employers, the benefits go beyond filling skills gaps. Investing in apprenticeships helps retain loyal staff, reduces recruitment costs and creates a workforce that’s ready for the future. In turn, businesses play a vital role in supporting local growth sectors and a greener future.
Upskilling through apprenticeships is a strategic investment in people, business continuity and the region’s shared ambitions.
