Cumbrian Companies Combine to Encourage Apprentices

Two leading companies involved in the motor trade have joined forces to promote apprenticeships and raise skill standards.

TMS Motor Spares and System Training hosted an open day in Carlisle where 20 representatives from garages in the local area had the opportunity to learn more about the options available for motor vehicle apprenticeships.

A range of free or subsidised courses are available to help companies integrate young workers into their businesses while also making efficiencies and building up their available skills base.  The motor vehicle training schemes on offer range from NVQs, Key Skills and Apprenticeships to the Certificate in Automotive Management – and all are fully accredited by the IMI and City & Guilds, the leading awarding bodies for the motor sector.

With employer support packages in place, including matching candidates to businesses and additional support for people who have special learning needs, it is hoped more companies will take advantage of these options and take on well-prepared youngsters in what is an ever-more regulated and demanding industry.

Other topics covered on the open day included an introduction to new automotive diagnostics machinery available to garages, and information on training courses for companies who offer air conditioning repair services.

With the number of vehicles in the UK featuring air conditioning having risen significantly over the past few years, and new EU regulations coming into force regarding the efficiency of air-con units in July 2010, many garages are having to give existing staff members the skills to deal with this growth area in repairs or find new ones to train specifically for it in order to meet demand.

The workshop was hosted by System Training at their headquarters at Carlisle Airport Business Park and was led by their Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship Training Manager Dave Walker.

Dave Walker of System Training said:
“The event was a fantastic success and we had representatives from garages in Penrith, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Lochmaben attending.  The Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship is a great concept and very useful to garage owners and employees, with better trained staff helping to maximise revenue and enhance customer retention. The day was fully subscribed and very well received so we will plan an additional session later in the year.”