Rygor Group has launched a new Plant Sales Trainee and Mentorship Programme, designed to identify and develop the next generation of plant machinery sales professionals through a structured 12-month development journey combining product knowledge, customer engagement, commercial skills, and executive-level mentoring. The programme will focus primarily on Hyundai Construction Equipment, with additional exposure to Mecalac products, helping trainees build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the highly competitive plant sector.
A key differentiator of the programme is the personal mentoring provided by Rygor commercial director, Rish Channa. Having started his own career as a Sales Trainee with Rygor in 2011, before progressing into senior leadership and ultimately leading the management buyout of the business in 2022, Channa brings a unique perspective and wealth of experience. His career journey demonstrates what is possible within the organisation and provides trainees with direct access to guidance from someone who has successfully navigated the path from trainee to business owner.
Rish Channa, Rygor Group commercial director, said: “We have a very well-established and capable team within our automotive division, many of whom have been with us more than a decade. Our truck and van sales teams are top tier in terms of performance across multiple brands, and now we’re looking to replicate that success within our plant division by growing our own talent. Trainees will gain hands-on experience across plant sales, aftersales, customer retention, prospecting, product demonstrations, market research and relationship-building. They will spend time shadowing experienced sales professionals, accompanying customer visits, understanding the work of plant technicians and aftersales teams, and learning how to identify opportunities, build customer trust and close profitable deals.”
The development plan places particular emphasis on the behaviours that underpin long-term success in sales, including resilience, tenacity, integrity, relationship-building and commercial awareness. These skills will be assessed throughout the programme, ensuring trainees develop not only technical and product expertise, but also the mindset required to succeed in the sales arena.
“One of the things I’m most proud of at Rygor is the opportunities we create for people to build long-term careers. I joined the business as a sales trainee myself, so I understand the difference that robust mentoring, support and hard work can make.
The plant sector offers fantastic career opportunities for ambitious people who are willing to learn, build relationships and put customers first. Through this programme, we want to give trainees genuine exposure to the business, direct access to experienced leaders, and the skills and confidence to develop into successful sales professionals. I’m looking forward to working closely with our trainees and helping them take the first steps in what I hope will be rewarding and successful careers with Rygor,” Channa added.
The launch forms part of Rygor’s ongoing commitment to investing in talent and creating clear career pathways across the business and applications are now open, via Rygor’s Career Hub – rygorcareers.co.uk/.
