The Ford & Slater Apprenticeship Show

Ford & Slater
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Get the inside track on what an apprenticeship is like with Ford & Slater. If you are looking for an apprenticeship in the motor vehicle trade, check out these podcasts and find out what life is like as an apprentice... and beyond. Ford & Slater was founded in 1928 and has a distinguished history as a commercial vehicle dealer, obtaining the agency for British Leyland Commercial Vehicles in 1953. We are now one of the largest privately-owned DAF Trucks dealer groups in Europe.

Episodes

  1. Feb 12

    Future Ready: The EV Generation

    Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive industry and some Ford & Slater technicians are on the frontline. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a technician in an EV-first world. We speak with Henry Farr-James, a Year 2 Apprentice HGV Technician learning the skills of tomorrow, Josh Burton, an HGV Technician already trained and working on EVs, and Josh Spencer, EV and Sustainability Manager. Together, they reveal why electric trucks are reshaping the industry, what the next generation of automotive careers could look like, and what apprentices need to know to thrive in this new era. For more information about apprenticeships you can visit Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the 'apprenticeships' tab at the top.

    37 min

  2. Feb 5

    Under One Roof

    In this episode, we go behind the scenes to discover how Ford & Slater's teams collaborate to create a seamless experience for customers and apprentices alike. You'll hear from apprentices across all three departments as they break down stereotypes about their roles and reveal how their work impacts the whole operation. Plus, discover why skills from hospitality and retail translate perfectly to a career in automotive, and stick around for the ultimate tea-making showdown! For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the 'apprenticeships' tab at the top.

    33 min

  3. Jan 29

    Off The Job Training

    What's it really like to have off-the-job training in the Ford & Slater apprenticeship programme? In this episode we dive into the college blocks, accommodation, and social side of staying away from home. Hear from apprentices Lewis and Ben as they share their honest experiences at the DAF Academy, from their first day nerves to memorable moments and key lessons they've applied back in the workshop. Dan Sprenglewski, Director of Heavy Vehicle at Skillnet, discusses what the academy offers and the common challenges new apprentices face. For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the 'apprenticeships' tab at the top.

    34 min

  4. Jan 22

    The First Year Qualified

    This episode we look at the "improver year". It's the first year after completing an apprenticeship and it's a recognised stage in your career development where you're qualified but still building experience and confidence. Today's episode features: What happens after you graduate from your apprenticeship The pressure, the freedom, and the reality of being an "improver" The tips and tricks for a successful trasition from apprentice to qualified member of the team Find out more: www.gov.uk/become-apprentice UCAS.com/apprenticeships Fordandslater.co.uk (click 'Apprenticeships')

    38 min

  5. Jan 15

    Not Just For School Leavers

    Today we talk to some of Ford & Slater's mature apprentices and find out why apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers. You'll hear: • Real stories from people who've switched careers later in life • The challenges and rewards of starting over in a new industry • What it's like learning alongside younger apprentices   Find out more: www.gov.uk/become-apprentice UCAS.com/apprenticeships Fordandslater.co.uk (click 'Apprenticeships')

    34 min

  6. Jan 7

    Grilling The Managers

    This week we're doing something different – to kick off season two of the podcast, our managers are in the hot seat! Lee Sursham, Andy Fish, and Justin Hall are here to answer your burning questions about apprenticeships. From travel costs and pay to career progression and support, nothing's off limits. We've got questions from students at Thomas Clarkson Academy- King's Lynn, your social media submissions, and we're busting the biggest myths about apprenticeships.   Find out more: www.gov.uk/become-apprentice UCAS.com/apprenticeships Fordandslater.co.uk (click 'Apprenticeships')

    32 min

  7. 01/23/2025

    How To Make A Good Application For An Apprenticeship

    How To Make A Good Application For An Apprenticeship Your application is what grabs the attention of any potential employer. In this episode hear what the application and interview process is like so you can make the best application possible.   For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships   Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the ‘apprenticeships’ tab at the top.

    24 min

  8. 01/16/2025

    Being A Female Apprentice

    What's life like as a female apprentice at Ford & Slater? Hear three female apprentice technicians discussing females in the HGV industry and how they have worked to defy stereotypes and get to where they are now.   For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships   Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the ‘apprenticeships’ tab at the top.

    21 min

  9. 01/09/2025

    The Vital Role Of The Parts Department

    The Vital Role Of The Parts Department What's it like as a parts department apprentice? From dealing with customers and identifying parts that customers need, find out about the parts operation at Ford & Slater and whether it might be the right apprenticeship for you.   For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships   Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the ‘apprenticeships’ tab at the top.

    20 min

  10. 12/19/2024

    Life As An Apprentice

    What's it like being an apprentice with Ford And Slater? In this episode you hear from current apprentices about their journey through the programme in an honest discussion about their daily routines and responsibilities, training and development and an overview into the life of an apprentice at Ford & Slater.   For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships   Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the ‘apprenticeships’ tab at the top.

    27 min

  11. 12/12/2024

    What's Life Like Post Apprenticeship

    What happens after you complete an apprenticeship with Ford & Slater? This episode lifts the lid on post apprenticeship opportunities at Ford & Slater and the different paths that an apprenticeship can unlock. Former apprentices give insights into their apprenticeships and how valuable they were as they began their careers.   For more information about apprenticeships you can visit www.gov.uk/become-apprentice and UCAS.com/apprenticeships Or to find out more or to apply for our specific apprenticeship programme visit: Fordandslater.co.uk and click on the ‘apprenticeships’ tab at the top.

    23 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Get the inside track on what an apprenticeship is like with Ford & Slater. If you are looking for an apprenticeship in the motor vehicle trade, check out these podcasts and find out what life is like as an apprentice... and beyond. Ford & Slater was founded in 1928 and has a distinguished history as a commercial vehicle dealer, obtaining the agency for British Leyland Commercial Vehicles in 1953. We are now one of the largest privately-owned DAF Trucks dealer groups in Europe.

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