The first group of 18 technicians to complete Groupe Renault’s Advanced Apprenticeship Programme have all graduated from the scheme “with honours”.

The manufacturer confirmed that a total of 18 graduates were presented with their qualifications at a ceremony at Groupe Renault’s training facility in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and passed with flying colours.

They also enjoyed a speech from former automotive apprentice turned public speaker, Cat Traenor.

Groupe Renault UK’s academy manager, Emma Holmes, said: “Automotive apprenticeships are very different today from what they used to be and being a dealership service technician is an extremely skilled and specialised job.

"By joining the scheme and showing a willingness to learn and work hard, our graduating apprentices are setting themselves - and our dealers - up for a very bright future indeed.”

One of the apprentices collecting his graduation certificate at the event was Brad Baker from Lookers Renault in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear.

“It has changed my life,” said Baker.

“Not only do I now feel like I have a proper career to look forward to, but I also developed my interpersonal and social skills. I’m a much more confident person and am happy dealing with colleagues and customers - I can’t wait to progress to a senior tech role, and then train to be a service manager.”

Shaun Strowger, from Mitchells Garage of Lowestoft, Suffolk, started off doing work experience and begged his local Renault dealer to take him on.

Strowger said: “Four years later and here I am, a qualified technician. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and have matured as a person, learned new social skills and really developed my knowledge. So many people my age have no idea what they want to do with their lives, but I’m already on the way to a proper career.”

During the programme, the apprentices take part in a number of residential block release modules at the Training Centre in Doncaster, where not only do they get to learn more about the brand, but also meet their peers from other dealerships.

At the end of the course, the apprentices are awarded Groupe Renault’s Advanced Apprenticeship certificate, which is recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and become qualified technicians, with an option to further their training to become senior technicians and ultimately master technicians.