Northside Mercedes-Benz launches apprentice ‘job swap’

Mercedes-Benz Northside Truck and Van has launched a new apprentice swap scheme.

The Dealer, which covers Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, is sending members of its team to work for companies that rely on its back-up, and hosting their young people in return.  

Northside set up the exchange initiative to support its staff development strategy, while also strengthening its relationships with key customers.

The first ‘job swap’ involved Northside’s Tom Christie – the recently crowned Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Technical Apprentice of the Year – and Will Massey, Transport Supervisor at high-profile supermarket retailer Heron Foods.  Each spent a week based at the other’s place of work, giving them invaluable insights into the procedures of and pressures on their respective businesses.  

Their exchange was co-ordinated by the Hull-based operator’s Head of Logistics Karl Dawson, and Simon Rennison, who manages Northside Truck & Van’s depot in the city.

Rennison explained: “At Northside we realise that not every customer is the same, so not every customer requires the same type of service. This initiative can only help us to better understand the individual needs of operators, and to tailor our services accordingly.”