Home > News > October 2004 > 20-Oct-2004

Top marques for new apprenticeship programme

A new advanced apprenticeship programme has attracted more than 2,500 applications for 155 available places.

The successful applicants have now embarked on the new in-house Advanced Apprenticeship Programme for the Premier Automotive Group's Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover brands. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has been appointed the qualifications awarding body for the scheme.

As part of their three-year programme, the apprentices will undertake 2-week blocks of training, four times per year, at one of three locations - Gaydon, Castle Bromwich, or Halewood - dependent on their chosen specialism. This is extended to 5 weeks in the final year and, on completion of the apprenticeship, leads to an IMI diploma in vehicle maintenance and repair, parts operations, customer service or body repair and paint refinishing and the NVQ level 3.

Having undertaken the "Dipped in Green" and "Green Blood" induction for Land Rover and Jaguar respectively, apprentices with Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover also have an opportunity to visit the Amazon or Kenya as part of a week-long environmentally focused community project expedition for the top achievers.

Christopher Newton, Apprenticeship Operations Manager, who leads a 13-strong apprentice training team, said: "This year our dealer network has determined 155 vacancies for new apprentices which is the highest demand so far, and there are over 300 apprentices in total, across the three marques. We have invested heavily in developing a programme second-to-none and I would anticipate a completion rate of at least 95%, which is great for all concerned.

"We hope to increase our offer to the dealer network with the addition of the IMI certificates in vehicle sales and automotive retail management during next year. This will allow us to offer bespoke training programmes for most career paths within the dealer network, giving a real boost to the competency levels in our industry."

Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, commented: "A robust and engaging apprenticeship is fundamental to the future of our industry and the Premier Automotive Group has shown young people and their parents that the retail motor sector offers a fantastic career opportunity for capable and enthusiastic individuals."

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