“You’re Hired!” – Beissbarth Sponsors Apprentice Scheme

Beissbarth UK, have backed their commitment to training excellence with sponsorship of the Peugeot Service Technician Apprentice of the Year 2008 awards. Six finalists were put through their paces during a challenge of six diagnostic tasks based on the IMI Diagnostic Level Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). The tasks tested the candidates on braking systems, engine electrical systems, transmission, vehicle electrical systems, engine mechanical systems and vehicle body multiplexing systems.

David Trent, apprentice at George Hartwell, Ferndown, Dorset, won first prize with a prize donated by Beissbarth UK, whose MD Philip Hodges said: “Training is a vital part of our industry’s future and we were delighted to be able to celebrate the success of these apprentices. “The level and range of sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment will continue to increase and we are indeed fortunate to be able to work with farsighted firms like Peugeot who are leading the way in investing in apprenticeships, so enabling more young people to embark on an excellent career.”

Jason Giblett, Programme Manager for Peugeot’s Apprentice Programme added: “Beissbarth UK’s sponsorship of the Technician Apprentice of the Year programme enables us to continue acknowledging the work being done in the apprenticeship scheme and to highlight the wealth of skills being developed by our team within the Peugeot Dealer Network.

“As we know, apprentices are our skills force of the future, so recognition in this way is a fantastic way to promote the fact that the programme works and can produce skilled competent individuals.”

Nationwide Autocentres searching for 60 new apprentices in 2009

Meanwhile Nationwide Autocentre, the UK’s largest chain of independent garages, is bucking the employment trend and is searching for 60 new apprentices in 2009, as it continues to open centres across the UK. The course, which lasts a total of three years and involves an NVQ level three, has full approval from The Institute of the Motor Industry.

The training aspect is delivered by Nationwide Autocentre’s partner – product and service solutions provider, Delphi. The course involves vocational experience in a Nationwide Autocentre garage, along with practical and theory based learning at Delphi’s training centre in Leamington Spa.

The scheme receives tuition grants from the Learning and Skills Council to deliver the most skilled apprentices in the motoring industry to date, and acts as a benchmark for other courses around the UK. At the end of the course each apprentice must then complete the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) qualification, before becoming a full-time employee at a Nationwide Autocentre garage.

Duncan Wilkes, CEO of Nationwide Autocentre, commented: “As we continue to grow as a business it’s essential that we have high quality technicians to operate in the new and existing centres. We aim to open 15 more centres in 2009 so there’s plenty of opportunity for young people looking to enter the automotive industry. By ensuring they receive the best training available we help cement the future prosperity of the business.”

Kevin Kelly, European service technology manager at Delphi, added: “We’re constantly looking to raise the quality of our trainees to ensure they’re the best in the business and our aim is to have at least one apprentice in every Nationwide Autocentre garage in the UK. The challenge we relish is ensuring that every technician we produce goes on to raise standards in our industry. Tim Grantham who recently completed the course is testimony to this; he’ll be competing in the World Skills Olympics in Canada later this year.”