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DAF's latest round of truck technicians have graduated from the in-house apprentice scheme in a period of advancing technology, says managing director Stuart Hunt.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the 39-strong "class of 2006" held at Holiday Inn Hambrook, Bristol, Hunt said that "young lads are electronically orientated. It's difficult with the older guys - they're not as receptive to these  things and it's all a bit scary."

Robert Baxter, managing director of DAF dealer Chassis-Cab, agrees: "For these youngsters there's no fear of technology. With the technology on trucks today, we need them."

DAF started the scheme because "the skills demand for technicians was increasing. Fitting wasn't very attractive as a career and we needed to raise the game to get good quality technicians," Hunt said.

The 11-year old scheme has produced 318 graduates. DAF aims to top 100 recruits for 2006 after taking on 103 in 2005.

Hunt tells MT that the skills shortage for technicians "is less of a crisis for us now. Trucks are more efficient, they consume less parts and less labour hours, and we don't see a need for technicians rising and rising".

Under the three-year scheme, apprentices at DAF dealerships across the country attend City of Bristol College for 28  weeks a year, achieving BTECs or NVQ level 3 in heavy vehicle maintenance. Dealers pay £1,665 per year per apprentice.

Age Knossen, manager of aftersales publications for DAF in Holland, said the UK had the only scheme of this kind in the company and that he is "actively encouraging other countries to copy the programme as it's so good."

"The rest of Europe is struggling to get mechanics up to speed for Euro 4 and 5 technology," he adds.

Training is continuous with eight of last year's graduates completing an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) management course.

Nick Pooley of Chassis-Cab in Bury St Edmunds graduated from the apprentice scheme last year and collected his management certificate at the presentation evening.

He told Motor Transport he had looked for a car maintenance career until the scheme: "I think trucks used to be behind cars. I'd never thought about trucks but I'm glad I got into it. It's much different from car work, you get out and about and it's more in-depth."