TrustFord plans to recruit 75 new apprentices across its business this year.

The Ford dealer Group - which was named Leader in Diversity and Inclusion at te 2022 AM Awards - has a variety of roles on offer at its dealerships in England, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands.

Positions include technician, parts advisor, sales administrator, bodyshop technician and accounts apprentice.

As part of its business commitment to growing and retaining industry talent, many TrustFord apprentices are offered a full-time job at the end of their training

Sharon Ashcroft, human resources director at TrustFord, said: “At TrustFord we’re committed to attracting talent from all walks of life and I’m really proud we continue to offer people a route into the automotive industry through our apprenticeship scheme.

“Many previous apprentices have gained permanent roles and stayed with us as they progress through the company, underpinning our ambition to grow and retain the best people. I’d urge anyone interested in these roles to apply as soon as possible.”

The dealer group’s apprenticeship scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 and includes on-the-job training, alongside off-site training, building towards industry-recognised qualifications.

Automotive businesses are missing out on apprenticeships that could help fill the skills gap, says the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (February 6-12, 2023), the IMI is calling for businesses to ‘embrace apprenticeships’ and the benefits they bring.

On average, 65% of all apprenticeships in the UK are supported by levy funds, but just 52% of automotive apprenticeships received such support in 2022, leaving the sector in the bottom third of all UK sectors hiring apprentices.

IMI chief executive Steve Nash has asserted that aftersales providers must maintain their training and apprenticeship provision as cars equipped with new road technology entre the market this year.

Utilising apprenticeship schemes can help garages, workshops and repair centres recruit new talent who will develop into skilled and competent professionals, the IMI said.