Mercedes-Benz hosts first graduation ceremony for sales trainees

Young professionals from across the country were hailed as “the future of the industry” at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ first sales trainee graduation ceremony.

The Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Trucks sales trainee programme event was held at the Malmaison Hotel, in Birmingham.

The ceremony was co-hosted by Mercedes-Benz head of district management Gary North and Truck sales director Heiko Selzam.

They presented certificates to the latest trainees to complete the 25-week programme, which combines formal instruction at the Mercedes-Benz training and development centre in Milton Keynes with ‘on the job’ learning at dealerships.

At the end of the course, candidates must pass an independent assessment to secure their Truck sales professional qualifications.

Selzam told the new graduates: “Former trainees are now regularly among the top performing sales executives in our dealer network.

"I have no doubt that the knowledge and skills you have learned, coupled with your impressively high levels of commitment and motivation, mean you will soon be joining their ranks.

"You are our future, and the future of the industry.” 

Special honours went to Rebecca Monk, from Marshall Truck & Van, who is the first of the current crop to earn her Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicle licence.

Monk said: “This is much more than just another job. I have a fantastic opportunity to build a fulfilling career with a dealer that represents one of the world’s best-known brands, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”

Recruiters have sought to select individuals who, with a handful of exceptions, have had no prior knowledge of, or preconceptions about, the truck industry.

Instead, candidates have been chosen on the basis of their personalities, quick wits and determination to succeed.

Those who have previously completed the course included a former air hostess, a beautician, a sous chef, an undertaker and a one-time Legoland manager.

Nearly 50 individuals have qualified since the programme’s launch in 2011. 

Pictured: (L) Mercedes-Benz Trucks training manager Matt McGrattan, Class 1 HGV licence holder Rebecca Monk and Tony Wright, truck sales manager at Marshall Truck & Van.