Toyota Material Handling UK and North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) have launched a targeted programme to develop skilled engineering professionals and encourage greater female participation in technical roles.
The Forklift Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship recruits 20–25 candidates annually for a three-year programme combining on-campus learning with practical experience at distribution centres and in the field with Toyota’s mobile technicians. Apprentices train using Toyota equipment and receive guidance from experienced staff.
The initiative creates a steady pipeline of technicians for Toyota, with many former apprentices advancing into senior engineering and managerial positions. Mark Metcalfe, Senior Manager, Technical Operations at Toyota Material Handling UK, said: “An apprentice is a blank page – a great opportunity to shape someone’s future. Several of our apprentice programme alumni are now in high-level positions, and it’s fantastic to see more women entering our programme and doing really well.”
Toyota Material Handling UK, part of Toyota Industries Corporation, employs more than 1,000 people in the UK and maintains a global reputation for innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.