ReMIT, the Retail Motor Industry Federation’s training arm, has increased its student intake by a third in under six months.

Student numbers have increased from 1,900 to almost 3,000 since Remit relaunched its apprenticeship programmes for automotive technicians and aftersales personnel in May.It has also gained contracts with a range of motor industry players, including the UK’s largest retailer Pendragon.

Rob Foulston, Remit chief executive, said: “Remit’s programmes provide a significantly more cost-
effective model compared to the manufacturer’s branded programmes.

Previously, branded programmes had been the primary route for apprentices in the motor retail sector. 

“Our delivery model represents a significant departure from this norm and during this difficult economic climate it becomes critical that apprentices have transferable skills across all the various franchises.”

He attributed Remit’s growth to a strong team, customers remaining understanding and loyal to the brand and students who have “put their future safely in our hands”.

Remit has been pushing its training through a national recruitment campaign, which began at the British Motor Show in July.

More recently, it has focused on school-leavers, following August’s GCSE results. 

Foulston said the campaign was a publicity drive designed to ensure that all young people were aware of motor industry apprenticeship options available through Remit.

“We have been working with schools to promote the benefits of a career in the motor industry,” he added.

Remit has relocated to its new Nottingham headquarters which were previously at Carter & Carter’s site, and is working with 105 colleges nationwide, “so as to be as local as possible to each learner,” Fouldon said.