NAA Member News: Leyland Trucks donates DAF XD to Cornwall College to support armed forces training
Leyland Trucks has gifted a DAF XD to Cornwall College’s motor vehicle training programme, reinforcing its commitment to supporting military personnel through its Armed Forces Covenant pledge.
Previously used as a test vehicle, including undertaking climate testing in Spain, the box-bodied vehicle will now serve as a hands-on HGV training tool for both military recruits and civilian students, equipping them with real-world industry experience.
The initiative was led by several Leyland Trucks colleagues, including Mark Scott, a quality engineer at Leyland Trucks and reservist Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) with the 127 Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Manchester. Mark plays a key role as a Supervising NCO on Cornwall College’s Motor Vehicle Industries course, supporting the development of future talent.
The handover event at Leyland Trucks was attended by fellow 127 Company reservists, including Regimental Sergeant Major Laurence Nelson, Warrant Officer Michael Leonard, and Lance Corporal Laura Butcher, further strengthening the company’s long-standing relationship with the armed forces community.
The donation aligns with Leyland Trucks’ commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and its participation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Currently holding Bronze award status, the company is actively working towards Silver and Gold recognition, introducing new initiatives to support military personnel.
Recent actions include launching an internal military network fostering connections among ex-service and reservist colleagues. A revised recruitment policy also ensures armed forces applicants who meet specific role criteria automatically progress to interview stage, removing barriers that can disadvantage veterans transitioning to civilian roles.
Leyland Trucks’ support for the armed forces spans decades, having trained REME reservists as far back as 2005.
Phil Jones, Managing Director at Leyland Trucks, said: “We’re giving this DAF XD a second life – one that directly supports military training. This reflects our commitment to building real pathways for armed forces personnel into civilian careers in truck design, manufacturing, engineering, and service.
“Supporting and recruiting ex-military and reservist talent is a key part of our culture, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships as we progress through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”
Cornwall College, which has recently been graded “Outstanding” by Ofsted, plays a pivotal role in training armed forces mechanics and engineers, offering Level 2 and Level 3 vehicle technician qualifications. Through partnerships with Leyland Trucks and other industry leaders, students train on both diesel and electric vehicles to keep pace with the evolving automotive sector.
Neil Atkinson, Engineering & Automotive Curriculum Area Manager at Cornwall College, said: “This donation from Leyland Trucks allows us to train our students to an incredibly high, like-for-like standard. Our long history of training military personnel on DAF trucks continues with this latest addition, ensuring recruits gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant technology. The opportunity extends to all our students, both military and civilian, reinforcing our commitment to delivering the best training possible.”
Additional attendees from Cornwall College included Senior Apprentice Programme Manager Neil Sanderson, Senior Motor Vehicle Programme Manager Chris Williams, and HGV Study Programme Manager Andy Wheeler, who drove the vehicle from Leyland Trucks to Cornwall College.
