Tiger teams up with Total People to train technicians of the future
Award-winning trailer manufacturer Tiger Trailers has been working in partnership with northwest training provider Total People to roll out an apprenticeship programme in transport manufacturing.
Like many transport manufacturers and operators, Tiger Trailers faced a familiar challenge: how to address persistent skills shortages, retain staff, and plan for future growth – all while maintaining production targets and upholding safety and quality standards.
In 2024, the Cheshire-based firm decided to tackle the issue head-on by launching a new apprenticeship programme with Total People. Now, with recruitment underway for its first cohort of 12 new Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technicians (MOET), Tiger Trailers is already seeing the value of a tailored, long-term skills strategy.
Here, Tiger Trailers and Total People share four lessons that could help other transport businesses follow suit.
1. Timing matters – but so does taking the plunge
For Tiger Trailers, apprenticeships had long been on the radar, but it took the right opportunity – and the right provider – to move forward.
“We were making early enquiries with local colleges when Total People approached us,” said Barry Atherton, production director at Tiger Trailers.
“They took time to understand our operation and came to the table with a qualification that fitted our production needs and ambitions for the future.”
For many transport businesses, workforce development often takes a back seat to day-to-day delivery. But Total People’s managing director, Melanie Nicholson, argues that delaying skills investment only makes the challenge worse.
“Skills gaps don’t close themselves,” she said.
“Apprenticeships allow employers to grow the talent they need, shaped around their own processes, systems and values. With the right support, you don’t need to wait until everything is perfectly aligned – the time to start is now.”
2. Apprenticeships solve more than one problem
Tiger Trailers’ aim was not just to bring in more hands – it was to solve multiple business challenges at once.
By training apprentices on the job, Tiger Trailers hopes to futureproof production capacity as experienced staff retire; improve staff retention by instilling company culture early; reduce recruitment costs by developing talent in-house; and increase productivity by enabling skilled staff to focus on higher-level tasks.
“Our team already includes around 20 former apprentices, many of whom have progressed into senior or cross-functional roles,” said Nathan Owen, head of production.
“That gave us confidence that we could grow our own future leaders again.
3. The right training provider makes all the difference
Tiger Trailers chose Total People over other training options due to the team’s specialist knowledge and collaborative approach. From the initial pitch to launching the vacancies, Total People worked closely with the trailer maker to shape a programme that aligns with both industry standards and the specific requirements of trailer manufacturing.
“Their support with advertising, shortlisting and preparing our team to mentor apprentices has been fantastic,” said Claire Shenton, HR director.
“We’re looking forward to the training session they’re delivering for our internal mentors – it’s about setting everyone up for success, not just the apprentices.”
Melanie Nicholson agrees that ongoing, wraparound support is key.
“We don’t just deliver qualifications. We help employers navigate the entire process – from recruitment and onboarding to mentoring and progression,” she added.
“It’s a partnership, not a transaction.”
4. A tailored programme beats a one-size-fits-all approach
The MOET apprenticeship is designed to equip apprentices with a wide range of practical and technical skills – from safe use of tools and interpretation of engineering drawings to understanding materials, hydraulic systems and electrical components. But the real power comes from aligning that training to the real-world needs of the employer.
“For apprentices, learning in a live production environment means they’re immediately applying what they learn,” said Melanie Nicholson.
“And for employers, it means they’re developing people who understand their exact processes, products and standards.”
At Tiger Trailers, that’s already evident. Apprentices will be embedded in the business from day one, learning not only technical skills but also the company’s culture, safety expectations and commitment to quality.
Looking ahead
As Tiger Trailers prepares to welcome its first MOET apprentices, the company is clear that this is an investment in its long-term resilience – and in the wider transport industry’s sustainability.
“Apprentices aren’t just extra hands, or there to make up the numbers – they’re the next generation of engineers, technicians, and leaders,” said Ed Booth, managing director.
“If we don’t train them and support their development, we won’t have them.”
Melanie Nicholson agrees.
“The transport and engineering sectors have everything to gain from engaging with apprenticeships,” she said.
“Whether you’re a manufacturer, haulier or operator, the skills challenges are real – but the solutions are within reach. It starts with the decision to grow your own talent.”
More information about Total People’s Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician qualification can be found at the website.
