We interviewed three apprentices that have graduated the DAF Apprentice Programme and have been rewarded for their continued service at Chassis Cab for five years of service.
The apprentices are Ryan Proctor (23) from Isleham, Nathan Rutterford (21) and Charlie Webber (21) from Bury St Edmunds.
It was actually a family friend. They had a few lorries and were a customer of Chassis Cab. They heard about the role and they recommended that I apply for it. - Ryan
My dad used to work at the Bury St Edmunds body shop. He heard that there was an apprentice placement going and got me to go in for an interview. - Nathan
My grandfather used to collect parts from the Bury St Edmunds depot for his own truck company and recommended that I apply. - Charlie
My favourite part was getting the results when you qualify. Once I’d finished all of the tests, finding out I’d passed was a great feeling, knowing that all of my hard work had paid off. - Ryan
For me it was attending the DAF Apprentice College in Bristol, where we all got to know each other. We had a great time and learning in a different environment. – Nathan
I'd probably say attending our graduation event up in Nottingham. It was a really good time. - Charlie
At the beginning when you find out about all of the different types of jobs and having to take in a lot of new information is quite daunting. At first, it feels difficult, you have to really push yourself, but over time you grow in confidence and then you're absolutely fine. – Ryan
Sometimes when you are trying to diagnose a fault that you think is really complicated, and then someone comes along and will say, just do this...and it was actually a really easy fix. You get the mick taken out of you for it, but then you have learnt for the next time. – Nathan
I like how well we are treated and the fact that the environment in the workshop is so good. We all get along so well, you don't feel overwhelmed with work and it’s just a really nice place to be. – Ryan
I like the fact that the more you give of yourself, the more the company gives back, especially if you work hard. It's not just about being recognised by the apprentice retention scheme, but it's the fact that you get all of the help and encouragement that you need. - Nathan
It’s a job that pays well for a young person. Each day you come into work, not because you have to but because you want to and you know that you are going to enjoy it. - Charlie
At Chassis Cab, we aim to take on at least six apprentices a year. We currently have 10 apprentices working within the business. In addition to these, we have taken on a further nine apprentices so far this year, across both service and parts: three at Cambridge, three at Isleham, two at Bury St Edmunds, and one at Ipswich. At present, we are also advertising for a Parts Advisor Apprentice in Cambridge.
Currently a third of our technicians have been through and graduated from DAF’s apprenticeship programme. Three of our four service managers all came through the apprenticeship programme.
We believe that investing in young people is important, and so is rewarding their continued progress and loyalty to the business.
This is why we offer a cash lump sum once an apprentice has been with us for five years and then again at ten years.
