Fix Auto UK and Apprenticeship Central announce skills deal
Fix Auto UK and Apprenticeship Central have announced a new partnership to address the skills shortage within the vehicle repair sector.
The news marks National Apprenticeship Week, which is running until 16 February.
Fix Auto UK was the first organisation in the industry to partner with Apprenticeship Central under the ownership of the late Bob Linwood. This partnership formalises the network’s commitment to promoting young talent. As part of the collaboration, it will work with Apprenticeship Central to promote the industry to a wider audience and attract the next generation of talent to the repair sector.
Cheryl Chung, who heads up Fix Auto UK’s ESG strategy, said: “The future of the vehicle repair sector depends on our commitment to investing in the next generation of technicians, Fix Auto UK fully endorses Apprenticeship Central and its recruitment platform.
“Young talent is the backbone of our industry, and through our nationwide network of Franchise Partners, we’re dedicated to creating opportunities that develop the next generation of top-tier technicians.”
Operations director Mark Hutchins added: “Recruitment, particularly apprentices, is vital to the future of the industry. Recruiting and managing apprentices has its challenges and we are pleased to have Apprenticeship Central in our corner to guide and drive our apprenticeship goals.”
Fix Auto UK and Apprenticeship Central collaboration
Eleanor Baker Barnes, commercial director at Apprenticeship Central, said:
“The Apprenticeship Central Team is delighted to be re-establishing our relationship with the Fix Auto UK network. Bob had previously laid the foundations, and we’re excited to build on that momentum to support the network’s goals of bringing more young people into the industry. As industry leaders, Fix Auto UK and its Franchise Partners offers an inspiring environment for apprentices to launch their careers and we’re proud to play a part in nurturing the next generation of talent.”
Chris Oliver of Apprenticeship Central concluded: “Everyone who knows me knows just how passionate I am at constantly identifying and bringing new talented young people into the industry. It really cannot be understated just how important it is for the future of our industry. Partnering with Eleanor and building upon Bob’s legacy really is a privilege. Receiving the full support of Fix Auto UK is a significant endorsement.”
