Venson Automotive Solutions is bridging the skills gap in the fleet and automotive sector with an "Upskilling Programme", an initiative that nurtures a new generation of HGV Technicians.

During National Apprenticeship Week, 4th – 8th March, Venson is celebrating the success of its technicians, who have benefited from its own programme by broadening their qualifications and furthering their career opportunities, whilst learning on the job.

Working with Remit Group, one of the UK"s top providers of government-funded apprenticeship programmes, Venson has developed two "Upskilling Programmes" to address the issue of recruiting qualified HGV technicians, which is an industry-wide issue. Both programmes are aimed at HGV Maintenance and Repair.

Gil Kelly of Venson Automotive Solutions comments: "At Venson, we take great pride in nurturing talent and our Upskilling Programme enables us to develop our staff, with the support of Remit, to their full potential. This is not only a great benefit to our business and customers, but it also helps to address the industry-wide shortage of qualified commercial vehicle motor technicians. 

"From April, large businesses will be able to invest up to 25% of their apprenticeship levy to support apprentices in their supply chain, which is something we fully support. This offers the vehicle maintenance and bodywork sectors an opportunity to really get behind apprentice schemes, helping to bring  much needed  qualified technicians"

Several employees of the company have already benefitted from the scheme. Firstly, Keith Scales was a mature student with a keen interest in vehicles. An employee of Venson Herts since 2010, the company was keen to support his progression to Levels 2 and 3 in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (HGV) qualification. With support from Remit, in 2015, a three year study package was developed, this consisted of one day a week at college,  completing ICT English and Maths exams, and on the job training starting at 3 days a week and increasing to 5 days, Keith has successfully passed Level 1, Level 2 and has recently achieved Level 3.

Matthew Dickens, a qualified Cars and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) technician also progressed his career through the apprenticeship scheme. He began working at Venson Herts to accelerate his career. Having already qualified in Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair he worked towards his Level 3 HGV with a one-year study package which also included examinations in ICT English and Maths. He passed his Level 3 HGV in September 2017, which led to his promotion to HGV Technician.

Lastly, Daniel Bloor, based at Venson Nottingham, was recruited as an apprentice via Remit in September 2016. Daniel has shown dedication to the Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair and is now in his final year working towards his Level 3 diploma, which he is on track to complete in April 2019. The scheme is part-funded by the Remit National Academy Apprenticeship Programme with Venson paying towards training and allowing him the time to attend college during the working week.Â