Lookers has celebrated AAC Apprenticeship Awards recognition, after its programme was acknowledged as the most diverse in the country.

Organised by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, the newly introduced Apprenticeship Diversity Award recognised Lookers’ efforts to increase diversity in apprenticeships, as well as work with apprentices who have special educational needs.

Lookers’ head of qualifications and diversity Steve Maule said: “For a motor retailer like Lookers to have won the Apprenticeship Diversity Award is a huge leap forward for an industry that hasn’t traditionally been seen as employing a diverse mix of people.

“We are immensely proud of this and have further plans in place to ensure that we remain at the forefront of employment diversity.

“The motor industry is moving forward at an unprecedented pace, whether it’s technology or the customer experience, and it’s critical that we have the right mix of people, from all corners of society, to help us stay one step ahead.”

Last year saw Lookers welcome 150 apprentices to its programme, matching the previous year’s number of inductees, bringing its total up to 500. Among these were 17 females, which Lookers believes “compares favourably” within the sector, and hopes to increase in the near future.

Lookers’ group diversity manager Adam Carney said: “Increasing diversity within Lookers is one of our strategic focuses and was one of the main messages from our recent Annual Conference.

"We very much see the apprenticeship levy as an opportunity to diversify our work force and create a sustainable talent pipeline.”

The retailer was also commended for its commitment to sourcing talent from diverse backgrounds, including recently launching a 12-week traineeship at the Lookers Audi Group Paint & Body Preparation Centre in North Tyneside, which aims to give young people out of work and education the opportunity to gain full time employment.

• AM100 dealer groups are invited to nominate their staff members who typically seek little recognition yet are pillars supporting the company’s success for The Unsung Hero Award and The Rising Star Award, both of which will be presented by AM during the AM100 Dinner on June 19 at Hilton Metropole Birmingham. Click here for more information.