Leyland Trucks welcomes next generation of talent in 130th anniversary year

The new cohort spans ten disciplines across manufacturing, engineering and business functions, with apprentices joining Assembly Operations, Design Engineering, IT Software Engineering, Supply Chain, Automotive Engineering, Facilities & Maintenance, Fabrication & Welding and HR.

From developing software and designing vehicles to building trucks on the production line, the apprentices will gain hands-on experience within one of the UK’s most advanced commercial vehicle manufacturing operations – developing skills that will support both their own careers and the future needs of the business.

The intake comes during a landmark year for Leyland Trucks. While 2026 marks 130 years of manufacturing, the business continues to invest in the technologies and skills that will shape its next generation of commercial vehicle production. Manufacturing DAF battery electric trucks alongside diesel models in the same mixed-model production environment, apprentices in relevant disciplines will gain experience of both conventional and battery electric vehicle technology, developing skills for an industry undergoing significant technological change.

The company’s apprenticeship programme has become an important pipeline of talent into the business, combining academic study with practical experience and structured development. The Assembly Operator Apprenticeship scheme, scheme also recently received a 2026 Princess Royal Training Award, recognising its commitment to developing skilled manufacturing talent. Many former apprentices have progressed into engineering, technical and leadership positions across Leyland Trucks, with current apprentices working alongside experienced colleagues on live manufacturing and engineering projects.

Maria Rogers, HR & Training Manager at Leyland Trucks, said: “There’s something particularly significant about welcoming our most diverse apprentice intake yet during our 130^th anniversary year.

“Leyland has an incredible manufacturing heritage, but building on that legacy means continually investing in the future– and that means our people just as much as our products and technology. They’re joining us at a pivotal time for commercial vehicle manufacturing, with the transition to battery electric vehicles changing the technologies we work with and the skills we need. Developing that expertise within our own workforce is incredibly important.

“We’re proud to create careers that people want to build with us for the long term. Many of our colleagues stay with Leyland Trucks for decades and, in some cases, we have several generations of the same family working within the business. That strength of connection and retention is unique, and our apprenticeship programme plays an important role in continuing it.”

Lily Tomlinson, Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, said: “Living just 10 minutes away, I’ve always known about Leyland Trucks, so joining during its 130th anniversary year feels really special. I

“There’s already so much going on, and I’m really looking forward to getting involved in projects such as staff celebration events and customer visits. I love being customer-facing, and I’m proud to be part of a team that helps uphold the reputation of such a prestigious company, both in the UK and internationally.

“No two days are the same, which makes it such an exciting place to start my career. I’m looking forward to learning and playing my part in taking Leyland Trucks into its next chapter.”

Calvin Maduka, Level 3 Assembly Operations Apprentice, said: “I’ve always been interested in mechanics and wanted a hands-on career. I first discovered Leyland Trucks through career workshops at school, and I was so keen to join that I applied just an hour after the apprenticeship programme opened.

“It’s very different from school, but I’m looking forward to working in a busy factory environment, getting hands-on experience and learning from colleagues with a wealth of industry experience. I’ll always remember getting the call to say I’d got the job while I was on the bus home from school – I was so excited that the whole bus ended up clapping for me.

“Leyland Trucks has one of the most sought-after apprenticeship programmes in Lancashire, so being part of it gives me the opportunity to build my skills and start my career in the automotive industry.”

Applications for Leyland Trucks’ 2027 apprenticeship programme are expected to open in January, with further information available through the Leyland Trucks website.