RECORD YEAR FOR HALFORDS AUTOCENTRES APPRENTICES CULMINATES WITH ANNUAL TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE
Halfords Autocentres has celebrated a record year for its automotive apprentice programme by crowning one of its third year NVQ graduates Apprentice of the Year.
Floyd Ullah (19) from Scunthorpe took first place in the annual competition, which is held by the leading independent garage chain to develop and recognise young talent coming into the automotive repair and maintenance industry.
However, competition for the accolade is growing annually and 2014 has seen a record 72 new apprentices join the Halfords Autocentres apprentice programme – reaffirming its status as the largest programme in the UK automotive industry.
Halfords Autocentres Technical Training Manager Satnam Singh said: “Whilst we have had a record intake of apprentices this year, we have plans to grow the programme even further.
“Currently two thirds of our garages have an apprentice but our aim is to attract and recruit enough apprentices to have at least one in every Autocentre and keep replenishing them with fresh talent as they graduate and take up jobs within the business.
“This year’s winner thoroughly deserves the Apprentice of the Year title because the calibre of his competition improves every year - making it a very exciting and hard fought competition.”
Floyd was one of only 12 young apprentices shortlisted from over 200 to take part in the competition and following a day-long series of assessments judges awarded him the title and presented him with his trophy, a £500 prize and an iPad Air. He will also now been entered into the World Skills competition taking place next year.
On receiving his prize Floyd commented: “I’m over the moon. The tests push you to your limit because each of the different scenarios you’re put through are designed to test the knowledge you’ve gained during three years of study towards your NVQ.”
The pace of technological change within the automotive industry means that the training Halfords Autocentres apprentices receive through training partner ProVQ, as well as the challenges set during the competition each year, continue to evolve in order to maintain the business’ high standards and deliver industry-ready technicians capable of working on any make or model of car.
IMI External Quality Assurer Gary Hewadine added: “The IMI are proud to be associated with Halfords and ProVQ. Through rewarding challenges such as the Apprentice of the Year contest it is evident that real value is placed in the achievements of each individual.
“As the automotive industry’s chosen Awarding Organisation it is pleasing and encouraging to see the high levels of investment, commitment and professionalism being placed in the training and development of the rising stars participating in this apprenticeship programme.”
The Halfords Autocentre apprentice scheme provides a structured three-year vocational training programme and sees successful participants graduate with an NVQ Level Three in Light Vehicle Technology as well as a technical certificate from the Institute of the Motor Industry.
Halfords Autocentres currently employs around 230 apprentices, representing around 10% of its technician workforce, and takes on a fresh crop of promising youngsters each year as all of those who graduate take up full time employment within the business.
For more information about the apprenticeship scheme or to apply visit: http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/careers/vacancies/apprentice/
Ends
Media contacts:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent garage network with a heritage spanning more than three decades.
Highly trained technicians at over 300 Halfords Autocentres carry out over 1 million jobs a year - including MOTs, car servicing and repairs as well as tyre sales and fitting - for over 850,000 customers a year, with more than 9 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
Being independent means that we deliver dealership quality work at more affordable prices for any make or model of car. We offer a price match guarantee and a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out (See website for terms and conditions).
