Preston College and Leyland Trucks launch EV training programme

Leyland Trucks has turned to Preston College to help deliver a training for future technicians of its new electric vehicles.

Earlier this year, the manufacturer began production of its LF Electric 19-Tonne Rigid model, which is designed to travel up to 175 miles on single charge.

The vehicle is supported by DAF’s dealer network and charging infrastructure provided by PACCAR Parts.

Those attending the training programme at Preston College will go on to train technicians and dealer staff nationwide, ensuring that dealers and other professionals can service the trucks throughout their life.

With the introduction of electric vehicles, technicians of the future will need to have a broad skillset covering both conventional diesel powered trucks as well as a new generation of alternative powertrains. The training at Preston College addresses precisely this need.

Under normal circumstances, training programmes would take place at the DAF headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands. With COVID restrictions in place, DAF’s UK facilities fully booked, and an urgent need to conduct training sessions, finding an alternative venue was necessary.

Tony Ellis, Leyland Trucks’ service, warranty and reliability manager, said: “We are very excited about the new electric truck and there was no way we were going to let COVID restrictions stop us from delivering on our mission. We have a great relationship with Preston College, which is renowned for its technical training facilities and expertise. We approached them to support this training and they did everything in their power to make it happen.”

Leyland Trucks has a long-standing relationship with Preston College, underpinned by the apprenticeship scheme that sees students work and train with the Leyland Trucks team. Former head of school at Preston College, Mark Knight, recently joined the Leyland Trucks team as an engineer with responsibility for electric powertrains.

Mark Taylor, head of school for engineering and automotive technologies at Preston College added: “As a specialist technical college, it’s a privilege to welcome world-leading manufacturing excellence onto campus. Our staff and students alike are expanding their knowledge, learning from some of the most knowledgeable people in the field.

“We look forward to cascading this wealth of information on to our students, and to continuing a relationship with Leyland Trucks that works for both parties. Our students are eager, capable, trained by our highly-regarded team, and ready to make an impact at Leyland Trucks, one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in Europe.”

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