All the way from New Zealand, 18 year old Marina Boura settled in Devon four years ago and has just started a three year apprenticeship in heavy vehicle repair maintenance at Wessex DAF.
“I really enjoy the working environment and look forward to qualifying”, Said Marina.
She is mentored on a daily basis by qualified technician Dean Mansell, who said “Having been through the apprenticeship scheme myself I know how rewarding it can be and how valuable they are to local businesses. We are all looking forward to seeing how Marina progresses.”
Apprentices are employed at one of 3 Wessex DAF locations; Newton Abbot, Taunton and Saltash, where they work alongside qualified technicians, learning from their experience and developing the ability to work as part of a successful team.
They are also part of the coveted DAF Trucks Dealer Apprenticeship Programme and attend the DAF Trucks Centre of Learning at City of Bristol College in two week blocks throughout their apprenticeship, gaining nationally recognised qualifications in the process.
The Wessex DAF Apprenticeship Programme gives young adults from the age of 16 the chance to join a select group of specialist technicians working on some of the most modern and sophisticated trucks on the road.
Wessex DAF HR Manager Heather Crail said “It’s not just a job. It is the first step in a career that gives the opportunity to advance, succeed and fulfil ambitions within the motor industry. They receive a wage as well as training both on and off site. Apprentices are a really good investment in the future of our business”.
To become a DAF Apprentice students must have gained, or expect, a minimum of 3 GCSE’s at grade C or above, one of which must be Math, and have a genuine interest in all things mechanical.
About Wessex DAF
Wessex DAF is the South West’s leading commercial vehicle dealership offering sales of new and used DAF trucks supported by unrivalled service and parts backup across the region.
Owned by the Kingdon family, Wessex DAF acquired the DAF Truck franchise in 1980 when DAF had not long been importing trucks from Holland and had less than 3% of the UK Truck market for trucks over 16 tonnes GVW.
Since then, DAF has grown to now having around 30% of the UK market with a range of trucks from 7.5 to 44 tonnes GVW.
Wessex DAF now employ over 150 staff across 4 locations comprising of 3 main service centres at Saltash in Cornwall, Heathfield near Newton Abbot in Devon and Taunton in Somerset plus a minor service centre at Camborne in Cornwall. With 55 technicians (including 7 Master technicians) we have the ability and equipment to service both the DAF range of vehicles as well as trailers and vehicles from other manufacturers.
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