Thatcham Research has two major intakes of new starters planned in the Autumn, with over 150 much-needed apprentices set to join the programme this year.
The first 35 apprentices started on Monday 27 September, followed by a second group which is due to start at the end of November.
Against a backdrop of an ever-widening skills gap, the redesigned apprenticeship programme has been well received by major employers such as Solus, Activate Group, AW Repair Group and many others who have identified the need for apprentices to resolve the skills crisis.
On-site learning at Thatcham Research’s state-of-the-art Automotive Academy, is combined with remote learning via Microsoft Teams Education and underpinned by Thatcham Research’s blended learning tools, ecademy and eportfolio.
Dean Lander, Thatcham Research Head of Repair Sector Services said, “It is really positive to see that demand for our apprenticeships is as strong as ever. We are delighted to provide vital skills and increase job opportunities for apprentices, bringing more young people into the industry, and nurturing their talents to alleviate the skills crisis.”
In addition, Thatcham Research is also working with employers to develop cohorts of workers. For example, Apollo Motor Group is onboarding up to 30 new starters, in dedicated groups.
Due to the success of the programme, Thatcham Research will be donating £5,000 to Autoraise.
Dean said, “With training provider incentive payments, like those received by employers for eligible apprentices, it is only right we support Autoraise’s ‘pay it back’ campaign. This unprecedented success is down to organisations like Autoraise shining a light on the skills crisis and supporting repair sector investment in the next generation, and Thatcham Research is pleased to back such initiatives.”
