4 December 2018
The first group of apprentices has begun an innovative new programme to become the next generation of roadside AA patrols and vehicle inspectors. It comes at a time when the Government is encouraging employers to recruit and develop talent through apprenticeships.
- In Year of Engineering, AA launches new roadside patrol apprenticeship programme in partnership with local garages
- Midlands-based Customer Advisor highly commended in National Apprenticeship Awards
- New technical training facility opened at AA Centre of Excellence
A dozen ambitious new starters aged 17 to 30 have begun their training as part of the three-year programme, which sees the AA launch its first garage-to-roadside Patrol apprenticeship scheme. A further four apprentices have begun as Vehicle Inspectors.
Working across the South of England
The apprentice Roadside Patrols will work across the South of England in local garages as well as going out on patrol, while the Vehicle Inspector apprentices will be working at British Car Auctions sites in Bedford, Nottingham, Manchester and Brighouse (Yorkshire).
David Brambell, Director of Roadside Operations at the AA, said: “This brand-new apprenticeship scheme not only helps us to nurture emerging talent, but also allows us to support local businesses and the motor industry by working closely together with our garage partners to increase the number of highly skilled mechanics entering the workforce.”
This brand-new apprenticeship scheme not only helps us to nurture emerging talent, but also allows us to support local businesses and the motor industry
National Award Finalist
The AA now has around 100 apprentices business-wide, including Bethany Geddes, regional (West Midlands) winner of the British Army award for ‘Intermediate Apprentice of the Year’ at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018. Bethany was also highly commended at the national awards ceremony on Wednesday (28 November).
Ms Geddes, Customer Advisor, said: “The apprenticeship gave me the chance to be part of a well-renowned company while working towards a nationally recognised qualification, so I could really kick-start my career and earn while I learn.
The apprenticeship gave me the chance to be part of a well-renowned company while working towards a nationally recognised qualification, so I could really kick-start my career and earn while I learn
“Being shortlisted for the award was amazing; it has allowed me to act as an ambassador for our apprenticeship scheme and connect with people across the business. I feel recognised for doing a job that I love and am passionate about.”
New Technical Training Facility
In September, the AA also opened a state of the art new technical training facility at its Centre of Excellence in Oldbury, West Midlands.
The centre includes a purpose-built workshop to accommodate several vehicles, classroom space, private study booths, breakout areas and presentation facilities, and showcases unique solutions such as the AA’s multi-fit spare wheel and the country’s only Electric Vehicle training rig.