Leyland (pictured) was selected after competing in the UK finals of WorldSkills in Birmingham last November.
He won his place after competing in six challenges at the NEC, including engine mechanics, transmissions, steering and suspension systems, completing each within the allotted two-hour time frame.
The Warrington-based technician goes to Budapest as part of the 22-strong team of apprentices for Team UK, with others competing in categories ranging from web design to construction, cooking and engineering.
Leyland says: “Being selected for the EuroSkills Finals in Budapest is beyond my expectations, I feel extremely proud.” He graduated from Ryder’s apprenticeship programme in August 2016, and is currently in the second year of his HNC studies.
Ryder UK HR director Catherine Steel said: “To be selected to represent the UK team in the heavy vehicle competition at the EuroSkills Finals is a real testament to Kieran’s skills and ability. This a tremendous opportunity for Kieran, and a shining example of what our apprentices can achieve. The Ryder team are all behind Kieran for the Budapest finals.”
Dr Neil Bentley, CEO of WorldSkills UK, which selects and trains Team UK, said: “This will be a life-enhancing opportunity for these remarkable young people. Team UK embodies not only the kinds of traits and characteristics that we should aspire for in a young workforce, but the UK government’s ambitions for global Britain, too.”
All Team UK competitors will undergo training given to Team GB for the Olympics. The two-day boot camp includes mental preparation and media training.
This is only the second year that heavy truck maintenance has been included in the EuroSkills competition, and it is still to be approved as a category in the WorldSkills International Finals.