Nottingham College and Chery Group’s UK brand portfolio: OMODA | JAECOO, Chery & Lepas have embarked on a new strategic partnership to support one of the automotive sector's fastest-growing brands as it expands across the UK.
The partnership will see Nottingham College's Ruddington campus become the home for Chery Group's training and development for its dealer network. By upskilling both its existing workforce as well as nurturing new entrants to the workforce, the partnership will create a sustainable pipeline of talent to support the automotive industry's longer term employment needs.
This partnership demonstrates the vital role colleges can play in supporting industry growth while creating exciting opportunities for students. By working closely with Chery Group, we are helping to develop highly skilled automotive professionals, supporting dealer networks across the UK and ensuring our students gain access to the latest technologies, expertise and career pathways available within the sector.
Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships and Ruddington
Nottingham College will deliver a range of adult technical training programmes for Chery Group, including IMI-accredited electric vehicle training, a body repair programme, fundamental electrics courses and technical introductions to the brand. The two organisations are also collaborating on the development of both online and face-to-face learning pathways, designed to support technicians as they progress towards Master Technician status.
We are incredibly proud to be supporting one of the UK's fastest-growing automotive manufacturers as it continues to expand its presence and invest in the future of its retailer network. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing talent, creating sustainable career opportunities and supporting economic growth through high-quality skills development.
The introduction of the training academy for adults and the new apprenticeship programme represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate new talent into the network, providing young people and career changers with a structured route into automotive retail. By combining industry-leading brand training with a nationally recognised apprenticeship, we are helping retailers build the skilled workforce they need for the future whilst opening the door to rewarding long-term careers within the sector.
Maxine Blake, Head of Business Development at EMTEC Nottingham College
As part of the collaboration, Chery Group has committed to supporting Nottingham College beyond its own training requirements. This includes sponsorship of vehicle ramps and apprentice workwear at the College's Highfields campus, meaning learners have access to industry-standard environments and equipment.
Nottingham College students will also benefit from guest talks, employer interactions and career-focused events with Chery Group, providing valuable insight into the latest developments within the automotive sector.
Collaborating with the fantastic team here at Nottingham College, we now have a professional technical training base with the facilities, experience and educational standards needed to support our UK dealer network.
The future of our partnership is more than just working in classrooms and the amount of courses we deliver. It's about providing an industry-leading training academy, supporting dealers with the skills they need today and delivering the people who will represent our brands tomorrow.
Luke Garratt, UK Technical Training Manager at Chery Group