Mercedes-Benz UK has started its Van Talent Development Programme which focuses on sales and aftersales skills in the van sector.

The two year training course exposes trainees to all sales opportunities including new and used vans, service and parts and was developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz. All graduating delegates will get an Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) Level 3 diploma in sales and marketing.

Mercedes-Benz is taking on 60 delegates for the programme this year at its Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes.

There are 26 modules during the two years, including formal training, feedback and coaching, and on-the-job experience, with all delegates assigned a business and a field mentor.

Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director, said: “Our dealer network covers the length and breadth of the UK and provides out-of-hours servicing and Roadside Assistance, and with the Van Talent Development Programme we are continuing to grow the skills and knowledge of the team to best support our customers from sales, aftersales and beyond.”