The Experience Centre aims to develop the next generation of skilled professionals by offering high-quality, manufacturer-specific technical training and product awareness programs. These accredited programs enhance apprentices’ and technicians’ knowledge and career prospects by equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to carry out repairs on both current and future vehicle technologies. All trainees receive industry-recognised training that integrates practical hands-on experience, classroom learning, and exclusive access to digital in-workplace courses tailored to MAN's requirements, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry innovation.
In addition to providing an advanced, dedicated learning environment for vehicle technicians, this new facility gives service, parts, sales, and management delegates access to leading-edge classroom training, enabling them to build essential skills and boost their career growth.
Jan Kohlmeier, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “We are delighted to open the doors to our new Experience Centre and Training Centre here in Manchester. This cutting-edge facility marks an exciting new chapter in our apprenticeship and technician training capacity and program offerings.”
Situated on the 8.7-acre grounds of MAN Truck & Bus Manchester, which opened in 2010, this new facility ensures that MAN Truck & Bus UK is well-prepared to train and develop the next generation.
Housed within the new facility are dedicated electric vehicle bays, offering specialised areas for training and hands-on learning of electric vehicles, and customer vehicle handovers. This allows trainees and technicians to master all aspects of electric vehicle service and repair thoroughly. Additionally, the facility features a dedicated room for high-voltage battery maintenance, equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools for working on electric vehicles.
“As demand increases for skilled technicians in the rapidly expanding Electric Vehicle market, the facility will provide an environment where apprentices and technicians can qualify in Electric Vehicle maintenance and meet the High-Voltage Electric Vehicle (HV-EV) standard training requirements set by MAN Truck & Bus." Commented Jan.
Along with a brand-new training and learning facility, the new experience centre will also offer space to meet with customers during new vehicle handovers, therefore also serving as a professional vehicle handover and familiarisation centre.
Jan added, “Ensuring we continue to meet and surpass our customers' wants and needs is key to the future success of our business. By offering staff better qualifications, this new facility will ensure we continue to grow and offer customers an improved level of service and experience of the MAN brand.”
“To enable our customers and operators to get the best performance out of their new vehicles and to ensure drivers fully understand the latest technologies and assistance systems, this new facility also offers a professional area to deliver in-depth vehicle handover and familiarisation courses. Vehicle handover is an important process where new vehicle features, controls, and technologies are carefully explained to the customer.” Concluded Jan.
The new centre has already welcomed a new cohort of apprentices. Along with existing apprentice cohorts, they will benefit from the new learning environment. Apprentices will work specifically on MAN Trucks and Vans, no other brands.
Ben Jones, Head of Learning MAN Truck & Bus UK, commented: “This outstanding new facility has six innovative learning rooms and a state-of-the-art workshop for eight vehicles. It also features a dedicated area for electric vehicles. This provides us with the ideal environment to deliver up to four courses at once.”
"Additionally, the facility includes a modern kitchen, canteen, chillout space, showers, and changing rooms, promoting a comfortable environment for all trainees."
Ben concluded, “I believe this considerable investment from MAN provides the best dedicated seat of learning for young people and existing technicians in the commercial vehicle industry. MAN has made a significant investment in this program. This ensures that young people can enter the commercial vehicle industry with confidence, knowing they are embarking on an exciting and rewarding opportunity. They have the potential for a progressive and fulfilling career.
