Apprentices
Plugging the skills gap by investing in the next generation of vehicle technicians in the automotive repair and maintenance sector.
Investing in the next generation of vehicle technicians
There is a shortage of skilled vehicle technicians in the automotive repair and maintenance sector. Therefore, we must continue to invest in developing and promoting an early careers programme that attracts young people to our industry and secures a talent pipeline to support our ambitious business growth plans.
We are proud to have received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Social Mobility, recognising our efforts to create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to advance in the automotive industry.
Our continuing commitment to attracting young people to our industry and securing a talent pipeline is reflected in the growing number of apprentices and trainees we have taken on in the UK, Ireland, and Spain this year, which has increased by 15% in the UK and by over 50% in Spain. We are also reducing the average age of our technician population through the success of the early careers programme, now at 41 years compared to 54 years in FY2023.
The key to retaining apprentices and trainees is to create an environment that fosters their development and growth. To enable this, we designed mentor training in the UK, which the Chartered Management Institute formally recognised.
We developed an Apprentice Hub, a virtual space accessible to all employees, which hosts FAQs, myth-busting information about apprenticeships, and provides ways to register an interest in discussing apprenticeship options. We also partner with industry-recognised providers and, where possible, work directly with manufacturers, such as Ford, Stellantis, and Mercedes, to support our technician apprenticeships.
524 apprentices (+94 from FY23)
78 further mentors trained to support apprentices
£700 of tools provided per apprentice
Futureproofing our business means developing our own technicians through award-winning programmes, addressing skill shortages in automotive repair and maintenance, and securing a strong talent pipeline for our growth. Our commitment is evident in a 30% increase in apprentices and trainees this year across the UK, Ireland, and Spain, supported by mentor training and partnerships with industry leaders.
Chris MacHardy
ZIGUP Group Learning & Development Manager
King’s Award for Enterprise
We were recognised for excellence in Promoting Opportunity through our support for people from disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their job skills and opportunities.