Alex Smith and Daniel Entwistle, both apprentices at Colin Appleyard, have successfully completed the Suzuki Advanced Apprenticeship Programme.

Robin Appleyard , Colin Appleyard managing director, said: "The apprenticeship scheme is an integral part of our after sales customer care programme and at the same time helps to provide an important first step on what, we hope, will be a successful career path."

Two more apprentices are expected to graduate this year. Meanwhile, seven others across the company’s two motorcycle and three car dealerships have started or are just about to start on either the parts or mechanics schemes.

Appleyard added: "We are always on the look out for bright youngsters who we can mould into the unique Colin Appleyard way of looking after our customers.

"We will have vacancies for school leavers this summer on the motorcycle parts and technicians apprenticeship schemes and for A level students looking for a career in vehicle sales who will join our modern sales apprenticeship programme. Not everyone wants to go to university and this is a great way to learn useful skills."

Alex Smith receives his certificate