Enterprise Flex-E-Rent has recruited a new cohort of 15 apprentices in the UK and Ireland to join its two-year HGV mechanic or panel beater apprentice programme, as part of a long-term strategy to invest in more specialist apprentices against the backdrop of the skills shortage affecting the industry. 

This follows Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s investment earlier this year, when more than 100 commercial vehicle technicians joined the last cohort in May and have since qualified.

The Enterprise Flex-E-Rent division specialises in leasing commercial vehicles to businesses and public sector organisations.

The technician training programme was developed to create a highly skilled professional course which equips trainees with a wide range of hands-on experience and skills.

 The new intake of HGV technician apprentices are based at Enterprise Flex-E-Rent depots in the UK and Ireland, including Shrewsbury, Gloucester, Southampton, Exeter, East London, and Limerick.

An existing member of the workshop or bodyshop team is selected to act as a designated ‘buddy’ to each of the apprentices, to support them through their training.

Danny Glynn, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent vice president, emphasised the company’s strategy to solve the sector’s skills crisis.

“Finding qualified technicians is a growing challenge across the UK and Ireland. Our apprenticeship programme is vital to building a steady stream of talent as we continue to grow as one of the leading commercial vehicle specialists,” he said. “By investing in our team, we’re creating long-term career pathways that not only benefit our business but also help address the national skills shortage.” 

This year’s intake includes some candidates who are under 18, which is part of Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s efforts to reach a broader range of applicants and help more young people become part of a skilled workforce early in their careers.

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Enterprise Flex-E-Rent apprentice Jack Horne 

“I’m really excited to be part of this programme,” said Jack Horne, one of the new apprentices based at Nairn. “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn valuable skills and see how my career can grow. Knowing that I can work my way up to a management role is really motivating.” 

The apprentices are beginning a two-year journey, which is part of a structured career roadmap with all the training and development required to reach Master Technician level and management roles in the business.

In the majority of cases, graduates of the apprentice programme are offered a permanent position within the business, with 47 of Enterprise Flex-E-Rent’s current 250 technicians having started their careers as apprentices. 

Glynn said: “We’ve fine-tuned our apprenticeship programme to ensure it offers real opportunities for career progression.

“Our continuing focus on career development and promote-from-within culture has led to retention levels for apprentices doubling over the past year, as joiners see just how far they can go with Enterprise Flex-E-Rent.” 

This year, Enterprise Mobility was ranked 15th in the annual 2024 RateMyApprenticeship Best 100 Employers for 2024-25 which the company said demonstrates its long-term commitment to providing opportunities for those starting out in their careers.

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