Halfords Autocentres makes first Dallaglio Foundation-linked appointment

Halfords Autocentres has made its first staff appointment as a result of its recent partnership with the Dallaglio Foundation. Halfords Autocentres has hosted a series of employability events across its garages, inviting pupils from the Dallaglio Foundation to learn about the employment opportunities and skills available.

Halfords Autocentres aims to have one apprentice in every centre by 2017. Autocentre apprenticeships have an 80 per cent success rate for the completion of the three year scheme. The apprentices qualify with an NVQ Level 3 Standard combing learning with practical, on-the-job training.

At the end of July, Dallaglio Foundation awarded Halfords Autocentres its Corporate Partner of the Year award. The accolade was in recognition of the company’s involvement in the Foundation’s employability events as well as for Halfords continued mechanical support for riders at the CycleSlam events.

Halfords Autocentres technician Mason Kerry, who works at the Halfords Autocentre in Dartford credits the scheme with supporting his childhood passion of working on cars. Mason started at a young age working on his father’s car which fuelled his passion for fixing cars and motorbikes. Following Mason’s participation at the Halfords Autocentre Corporate Partnership day he said: “I knew straight away that this is what I wanted to do. It gave me a chance to do what I love, repairing engines. Both Halfords Autocentres and the Dallaglio Foundation have helped me get a job in the motor industry. One day I hope to have my own garage.”

The Dallaglio Foundation works with young people who have been excluded from mainstream education and helps them change their lives for the better, equipping them with the technical skills, knowledge and confidence to develop themselves.