Addressing the skills shortage: Thatcham Research doubles apprentice intake for 2021

• Thatcham Research prepares the industry for the challenges of future vehicles, with circa 150 new starters enrolled in Autumn/Winter 2021
• Employers including Solus, Activate Group and AW Repair Group have invested in apprenticeships
• Training provided for 30 new apprentices, to underpin Apollo Motor Group expansion of its Apollo Academy

Thatcham Research is today announcing 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, ensures that apprentices receive world class training in a safe, practical environment. Remote learning via Microsoft Teams Education is underpinned by Thatcham Research’s blended learning tools, ecademy and eportfolio, featuring high-quality interactive content developed in-house by Thatcham Research experts.

On completion of their training, which typically takes 36 months, apprentices will emerge as educated and well-equipped technicians, helping to future-proof businesses with new skills and knowledge.

Dean Lander, Thatcham Research Head of Repair Sector Services comments: “It is really positive to see that demand for our apprenticeships is as strong as ever. It highlights how attractive the automotive industry can be as a career option for young people. 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.

Bradley Eyles, Commercial Director at Apollo Motor Group said: “We are delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Thatcham Research as our new training provider. It was clear after initial meetings that Thatcham Research was the perfect fit for Apollo, as both senior leadership teams share the same vision and passion for developing a future talent pipeline and addressing the major skills shortage across the industry.”

Due to the success of the programme, Thatcham Research will be donating £5,000 to Autoraise.

Lander continues, “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.”

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