Merlo UK expands technical training programme for dealer engineers
Merlo UK has supported more than 220 engineers and dealer personnel across the UK and Ireland this year through its expanding technical training programme.
Delivered at the company’s purpose-built training centre in Ringwood and through dealer locations across the UK and Ireland, the programme is designed to build technical expertise, promote safe working practices and prepare engineers for current and future Merlo machines.
As machinery technology continues to develop, Merlo UK says ensuring dealer engineers have the knowledge to diagnose, maintain and repair equipment remains a key part of its customer support and aftersales offering.
Hands-on training at Merlo UK’s Ringwood centre
The Ringwood training centre opened in 2021 and was purpose-built for practical technical training. Engineers have access to dedicated machines, specialist training rigs and dismantled machine components, allowing them to work with Merlo systems away from the pressure of a live customer breakdown.
The programme currently includes 25 technical courses, with more set to be added as new products and technologies are introduced.
Training ranges from foundation courses for engineers new to Merlo equipment through to advanced modules covering hydraulics, driveline systems, electrics and diagnostics. Courses can also be tailored around individual roles and experience levels.
Training Manager Sam Bowles leads the programme, drawing on more than a decade of experience in agricultural and construction equipment engineering. He works with Merlo dealers to keep training aligned with the machines, systems and challenges engineers encounter in the field.
“Every engineer is at a different stage of their career, so it’s important our training reflects that,” said Shaun Groom, General Manager at Merlo UK. “Sam has built a programme that grows with our engineers. As new products and technologies are introduced, the training continues to evolve, giving engineers new opportunities to develop throughout their careers.”
Specialist training for Merlo ROTO telehandlers
Among the specialist courses is Merlo UK’s ROTO telehandler training programme. The week-long course moves from machine operation into system understanding, diagnostics and fault finding, giving engineers an in-depth understanding of one of Merlo’s more advanced product ranges.
BAGMA-accredited courses are also available, enabling engineers to gain the qualifications required to undertake Thorough Examinations and support dealers with machinery inspections and compliance checks.
Merlo UK says feedback has been strong, with its technical training courses achieving an average satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from approximately 400 participant responses.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing engineers return to training and watching their confidence grow,” said Bowles. “Having worked as an engineer myself, I understand the realities of diagnosing and repairing machines in the field, and the difference practical, hands-on training makes in helping engineers build both confidence and capability.”
Preparing dealers for new Merlo technology
Bowles has also spent time at Merlo Group’s headquarters in San Defendente di Cervasca, near Cuneo, Italy, receiving training on the manufacturer’s latest machines and technologies. Working with Merlo’s technical and training teams in Italy allows new product knowledge to be brought back to dealer teams in the UK and Ireland.
That includes preparing engineers to support electric models and increasingly advanced machine technologies as they enter the market.
“We’re constantly developing and updating our training programmes to ensure our dealers are ready to support both current and future products,” Bowles explained. “The industry is evolving quickly, and it’s important that engineers have the knowledge and confidence needed to support customers as new technologies emerge.”
The programme forms part of Merlo UK’s continued investment in its dealer network at a time when skilled engineers remain in high demand.
“Behind every productive machine is a skilled engineer,” said Groom. “The success of the programme is a testament to the commitment of Sam and the wider team, as well as the enthusiasm of the engineers taking part. Seeing attendees return, develop their skills and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to support that development across our dealer network.”
