Restore enterprise Steer Automotive Group is planning to considerably develop its apprenticeship programme subsequent yr, with an purpose for apprentices to make up 16% of its technical workforce by the tip of 2024.

Following a report by the Institute of the Motor Trade which predicted there might be 160,000 vacancies within the sector by 2031, Steer stated it was working to deal with this situation by nurturing and, most significantly, retaining younger expertise.

Steer presently has 159 apprentices employed throughout 90% of its 98 websites. Steer recruits apprentices instantly, by way of the Nationwide Apprenticeship service, partnerships with charitable organisations equivalent to Auto Increase and Faculty of Thought, and referrals.

Working in partnership with a choose group of coaching suppliers to make sure consistency and high-quality coaching, apprentices do most of their coaching on the job supported by a mentor, mixed with quick intervals in native coaching centres.

Staff constructing periods assist the group join and Steer’s suppliers present additional coaching to maintain apprentices abreast of recent supplies, strategies, and applied sciences.

Steer’s dedication to investing in younger expertise comes because it celebrated its apprentices on the Steer Apprentice Academy Awards, which recognised the achievements of its 159 apprentices. The Awards have been aimed toward rewarding distinctive work throughout the automotive technician disciplines, together with paint, panel, and Automobile Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) for every of our areas. In addition to saying winners throughout 13 classes, requirements have been so excessive that six “Extremely Recommended” prizes have been additionally given.

The winners

• Steer Regional Apprentice of the Yr – South – Mohammed Qais Mehdi
• Steer Regional Apprentice of the Yr – North – Rhys Kane
• Steer Regional Apprentice of the Yr – Midlands – Miguel Harvey
• Steer Regional Apprentice of the Yr – Apollo & Balgores – Rosie Smith
• Paint Apprentice of the Yr – Rosie Smith
• Panel Apprentice of the Yr – Brandon Redshaw
• MET Apprentice of the Yr – Daniel Thacker
• Individuals’s Selection Award – David Lindert
• Steer Rising Star – Nathan Hoe
• Steer Apprentice Mentor of the Yr – Duncan Adams
• Apprentice Coach of the Yr – Chris Griffith

Gavin Ruddick, chief working officer at Steer Automotive Group stated, “The apprenticeship programme at Steer Automotive Group has all the time been on the coronary heart of the enterprise. Finally, our apprentices are the way forward for our trade, bringing contemporary views, revolutionary concepts, and a powerful work ethic to our staff. Our funding of their progress and improvement displays our dedication to creating the workforce of tomorrow.”

Miguel Harvey, apprentice paint technician at Steer Automotive Group stated, “Since becoming a member of Steer’s apprenticeship programme, I’ve learnt loads and instantly felt like a valued member of the staff. Studying from managers and colleagues who additionally began as apprentices is wonderful; they perceive the challenges and provides me confidence that that is the suitable profession path for me.”