Developing Leaders at Gestamp with NC Group’s Team Leader Apprenticeships
- loraineh8
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
NC Group has been working with Gestamp on Aycliffe Business Park since 2018, delivering industry-leading apprenticeship and leadership development programmes tailored to the automotive manufacturing environment.
Working closely with Paul James, Head of Training, Research & Wellbeing Academy at Gestamp, we are delivering a bespoke programme to develop leaders - the Gestamp Developing Leaders Programme (GDLP).
Apprenticeships for Future Leaders
NC Group is currently supporting 25 apprentices on the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship, with the previous cohort of 20 completing the programme back in 2024. The programme also delivers HNC-level apprenticeships, supporting employees progressing toward Level 5 management positions.
The GDLP programme:
Develops employees aspiring to first-line leadership or supervisory roles
Supports those already in leadership roles, progressing toward management positions
Builds confident, capable leaders aligned with Gestamp’s long-term business objectives
From the current cohort:
15 learners have achieved Distinctions
1 learner has achieved a Pass
3 learners have completed End Point Assessments and are awaiting results
6 learners are awaiting End Point Assessment dates
These results reflect high learner engagement and a strong programme model in which the learner, employer and training provider work together to ensure the best outcomes.
Apprenticeships and Real Business Challenges
The Gestamp apprentices are undertaking work-based projects to address real business challenges, including:
Supporting projects on new model introductions, particularly linked to the electric vehicle (EV) market
Driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and problem-solving using Six Sigma (DMAIC) methodologies
They are also delivering final presentations on subject areas, including:
Reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency
Using data and technology to support organisational goals
Improving team performance to support organisational objectives
Leading and supporting a team through periods of change within the organisation
These industry-tailored projects ensure that apprentices add immediate business value whilst on their learning journey.
The Business Impact
The apprenticeship programme at Gestamp delivers measurable benefits across the business, including:
Increased leadership confidence and capability
Strong team management and communication
Project delivery improvements
Internal talent, reducing reliance on external recruitment
Work towards the achievement of corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, including sustainability and the company’s focus on net-zero targets and EV projects
By combining leadership development and current business challenges, Gestamp ensures apprentices can immediately apply their skills in the manufacturing environment. It is particularly relevant as the automotive sector adapts to EV demand and evolving customer requirements.
Why Apprenticeships are Working for Gestamp
Apprenticeships are particularly effective at Gestamp because:
Learning is aligned with workplace challenges
Managers actively support and encourage development
Programmes are tailored to the business and not generic
Learners can apply new skills immediately in the workplace
Gestamp is experiencing high engagement in its programme and developing leaders with the skills, confidence, and leadership capability needed to drive performance, support change, and strengthen internal talent.
Supporting Statistics:
Apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing improve productivity on average by 18% (EEF, 2023)
71% of employers report that apprentices increase workforce capability and leadership skills (IfATE, 2023)
Apprenticeships are proven to strengthen internal talent, reducing recruitment costs and supporting retention
To explore our apprenticeship programmes, call 01388 737121 or email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk.
