TrustFord launches free technician training

TrustFord is partnering with The Prince’s Trust to offer 15 18–30-year-olds free training and become a technician at one of their new Quick Lane sites in Stockport, Ashton Under Lyne, Sale, Prestwich and Gorton.

The partnership, an automotive retail industry first, kicked off with a recruitment day on 24 September attended by 30 participants. Successful applicants will now go through an 11-week free TrustFord training course. On successful completion, they will have the opportunity to take up one of 15 permanent jobs with a starting salary of £20,000 from January 2020. 

The new partnership is aimed at helping people with limited qualifications and experience gain a foothold in the automotive retail industry.

Stuart Foulds, chairman and CEO at TrustFord, said, ‘The work done by The Prince’s Trust is invaluable to helping people into the world of work, and we’re delighted to be pioneering this kind of partnership within the automotive retail industry. Our local communities are extremely important to us, so it’s great that we are able to give the people involved real skills and experience to get them started in their careers.’

Sharon Ashcroft, HR director at TrustFord, added, ‘TrustFord is dedicated to recruiting from a broad pool, and this scheme has been highly successful in finding passionate talent from diverse backgrounds. We want word to get out that there are opportunities for exciting and long term careers at TrustFord, and with the help of The Prince’s Trust, we hope that message is getting out there.’

Andrew Ridge, deputy director of the North at The Prince’s Trust, said, ‘By working together with TrustFord on this partnership, we’ve provided a valuable opportunity to boost the careers a group of young people in Greater Manchester. Schemes like this go a long way in providing inspiration and opportunities for people to get excited about their futures. It’s extremely important for those with limited qualifications or experience to find practical ways into work that proves rewarding. We hope the first batch of recruits for TrustFord will really enjoy their training, transition into permanent roles and get their careers motoring.’