To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 Feb), contract hire, workshop provider, and fleet management company Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) is showcasing some of its talented apprentices to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships and demonstrate the ‘skills for life’ gained by those on apprenticeship schemes.
SFS has been a passionate supporter of Apprenticeship Schemes for over twenty years and currently has apprentices working across its 14 depots in the UK.
Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, Specialist Fleet Services, comments: ‘We want to celebrate our apprentices, their achievements, and the skills they have developed because of the specialist training and mentoring our teams have provided. Just as we like to develop long-lasting relationships with our customers, we also like to invest in our staff for the long term, providing opportunities for them to learn and grow with us. An apprenticeship is a great way to support someone starting their chosen career.’
James Donald, 34, is an HGV Technician Level 3 apprentice at SFS’ depot in Boston, Lincolnshire. He started working for SFS six months ago when he decided to start a new career. He spends one week every two months at college learning theory to support the practical side of the apprenticeship.
James commented: ‘I had previously worked in farming, particularly driving and maintaining tractors,, and I really enjoyed it. When I saw the advert to work for SFS on HGVs, I was immediately interested, and I’m so happy I got the job!
‘Every day is different, and they are a good team. I find the work interesting and challenging, and I aim to progress to become a Master Technician. I’ve never been interested in the office side of things.’
Dominic Snape, Workshop Controller, SFS Boston depot, says: ‘James has fitted in brilliantly. He’s a quick learner and very enthusiastic. He brings a youthful energy to the team and a passion for the technical/diagnostic side of the job.’
Over in Kettering, near Northampton, Tristan Sandeman, 20, has nearly completed the first year of his 3-year HGV Technician apprenticeship.
Tristan says: ‘I’ve always been into cars, and I have a dirt bike, so I was attracted to the idea of being a technician. I work mainly on refuse vehicles. They’re much bigger than you think and very interesting to work on with hydraulics and complex mechanics. They don’t smell as bad as I thought; they are washed well!
‘I get on really well with the team, and they give me much support.’
Tristan’s line manager is Jake Kightley, Workshop Controller, SFS Kettering Depot. He says: ‘Tristan has integrated well with the team since he started with us. He is extremely keen to learn and is never afraid to get stuck in, regardless of the task. Although his time with us has been brief, he is already proving to be a real asset to SFS.”
