- First apprentice graduation ceremony held at the Kia Academy in Derby, since its opening
- Celebrates achievements of Kia apprentices across technical and service roles
- The event highlights Kia’s continued commitment to skills and sustainability through long-term investment in UK talent
Kia UK proudly marks a major milestone in its commitment to nurturing automotive talent with the first graduation ceremony held at the Kia Academy’s Derby site, since opening its doors two years ago.
The event, held at Kia UK’s state-of-the-art training facility in Derby on 14 November, celebrates the achievements of the Academy’s inaugural cohort of apprentices. The ceremony brings together Kia UK leadership, training partners, and graduates for a day of recognition, inspiration, and future-focused dialogue.
All graduating apprentices receive a certificate and a commemorative Kia gift as part of the celebration.
Chris Lear commented: “This ceremony is a testament to the hard work and ambition of our apprentices, and to Kia’s long-term investment in skills, innovation, and excellence across our UK network.
“At Kia, we believe in investing in people as much as we do in technology. The Kia Academy was purpose-built to deliver the highest standards of technical training, and today’s event is the culmination of that vision becoming reality. I’d like to congratulate every graduate and thank our partners at Skillnet for continued support in delivering apprenticeship training that equips learners with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving sector. We look forward to seeing these apprentices grow into the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
The Kia Academy plays a vital role in developing the next generation of automotive professionals, with Derby serving as a hub for Kia technical training and career progression.
The Kia Apprenticeship Programme offers a range of pathways across technical, service, and parts disciplines, designed to equip learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to thrive in a modern automotive environment. Delivered in partnership with Skillnet, the programme blends hands-on workshop training with classroom-based learning, covering everything from diagnostics and electrified vehicle systems to customer service excellence and dealership operations.
Apprentices benefit from industry-recognised qualifications, structured career development, and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies thanks to the state-of-the-art facility. These are delivered within a supportive, brand-led learning environment that prepares them for long-term success within the Kia network and their careers.
The Kia Academy
Located within a purpose-built 40,000 sq. ft. facility at St. Modwen Park in Derby, the Kia Academy is a state-of-the-art training centre designed exclusively for Kia UK.
Serving as the national hub for Kia Apprenticeships, the Academy equips apprentices and adult learners with essential STEM skills and advanced electrification knowledge to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Supported by Skillnet, the UK’s largest provider of automotive apprenticeships, the centre delivers Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and technical excellence.
Strategically positioned in the heart of England with excellent transport links, the Derby site reflects Kia’s investment in regional talent and its vision to develop future leaders in electrified vehicle technology.