Kia UK celebrates landmark year for apprentices in National Apprenticeship Week 2026

• Kia UK celebrates a record year of apprentice achievements for National Apprenticeship Week 2026
• The apprenticeship programme offers industry-recognised qualifications and the opportunity to earn while you learn
• Three core Kia apprenticeship pathways available, focusing on specialist skills and long-term career prospects
• 30 new Kia apprenticeships are currently available across the Kia UK dealer network

Kia UK is marking ‘Employer Tuesday’ in National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February) by celebrating a year of exceptional growth, national recognition and new opportunities across its expanding apprenticeship programme.

Kia continues to invest in developing the next generation of automotive talent, with 214 apprenticeships currently active, including 116 that started within the past 12 months, and a further 30 new vacancies now open across the Kia dealer network.

Over the past 12 months, Kia has strengthened its training pathways and hosted its first ever apprentice graduation ceremony at the Kia Academy Training Centre in Derby.

Be paid to learn
At a time when many young people are reconsidering traditional university routes and the long‑term financial commitments that can come with them, the Kia apprenticeship programme offers a compelling alternative.

Apprentices earn a salary from day one, gain nationally recognised qualifications without accumulating student debt, and build vital real‑world experience in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. This practical, financially accessible learning pathway continues to attract people who want to develop specialist skills, work with cutting‑edge EV technology and progress quickly into rewarding careers across the Kia dealer network.

A diverse range of apprenticeship pathways
Kia UK’s apprenticeship programme, run by Skillnet, offers three core routes, each designed to build specialist skills and long‑term career opportunities:

All Kia apprenticeships are equipped with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving electrified future of mobility, with structured development plans and access to the latest diagnostic tools, EV systems and customer service training.

Furthermore, apprentices can continue their career progression with a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4/5) following graduation.

Kia partnered with Skillnet to run the Kia UK Apprenticeship Programme in February 2023. Skillnet is the UK’s largest provider of apprenticeships to the automotive industry.

A year of achievement and firsts
In 2025, Kia UK hosted its first graduation ceremony at the Kia Academy, celebrating the achievements of apprentices from across the country. The event brought together graduates, their families, dealer partners and Kia leadership to recognise the hard work, dedication and progress of those completing their apprentice programmes.

Among the standout successes was Anneka Potts, one of five apprentices from Acorn Kia, who was awarded ‘Technical Apprentice of the Year’ during the Kia graduation ceremony. Her exceptional achievement reflects the growing diversity and breadth of talent entering the automotive sector, and highlights the opportunities available to apprentices across the Kia network.

Kia apprentices also excel on the national stage. Karl Wilson of SG Petch Kia York won the outright Gold award in the ‘Light Vehicle Technology’ category at the 2024 IMI Skills Competition, announced at the end of 2024. This standout accomplishment reflects the quality of training and support delivered through the Kia Academy.

Gemma Benbow, People & Organisation Director at Kia UK, said: “Our apprentices are an essential part of Kia’s future, and this past year has shown just how much talent and potential exists across our network. From our first graduation ceremony, which was a particular highlight last year, to national award wins, we have seen remarkable achievements from individuals who are building exciting careers in the fast‑changing automotive industry.

“We’re proud to offer a programme that allows people to earn as they learn, gain industry‑leading qualifications and contribute to the success of our dealer partners from day one. With 30 new apprenticeship vacancies currently available, we are excited to welcome the next generation of Kia talent.”

Kia Apprenticeships available now
Across the Kia UK dealer network, there are currently 30 new Kia apprenticeship roles currently available, offering ideal opportunities for people at the very start of their careers or those looking to retrain in a dynamic, future‑focused industry.

To learn more about Kia apprenticeships and apply, visit: https://www.kia.com/uk/about/careers-apprenticeships/

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