Mercedes-Benz has appointed Skillnet to deliver its national apprenticeship programme.

The training provider, which already works on similar schemes with Ford and Kia, will train staff on all aspects of its light and heavy vehicle and vehicle parts apprenticeship.

Currently, there are 450 learners on the Mercedes-Benz apprentice programme, which combines residential block release and on-the-job training.

Skillnet has appointed eight tutors, based at Mercedes’ training centre in Milton Keynes, and eight field-based assessors to work with apprentices on the programme nationwide.

Tony Hetherington, technical training manager for Mercedes-Benz, said: “Skillnet’s wealth of experience in delivering automotive training reflected what we were looking for in a training partner.

"We’re very happy to be working with Skillnet and believe that the company’s expertise will further enhance the quality of our apprentices.”