Volvo Car UK will focus on school and college leavers in a bid to fill 60 apprenticeship programme spaces as part of an ongoing recruitment drive in 2018.

Volvo apprentices will be employed full-time at an authorised Volvo retailer, learning new skills in mechanical and software technology, while gaining on-the-job retailer experience and the brand has said that it wants young recruits to benefit from the structured career path.

Laurie Nurton, 25, was one of Volvo’s youngest fully qualified technicians at just 22 years old, having joined the apprenticeship programme when he finished school. Laurie is now a direct retailer support engineer, working at Volvo Car UK in Daventry.

“I never thought I would have a career in this industry, but there were a number of factors that helped me progress so quickly with Volvo,” said Nurton.

“We always had the right tools for the job and the work itself was varied, which meant I learnt a great deal in a short amount of time.”

Volvo Car UK’s career development and engagement manager, Helen Davis (pictured), said: “With such an extensive apprenticeship programme in place, designed specifically to support and in conjunction with our network of retailers, more than 90% of those who complete their course move on to full-time employment with a Volvo retailer.

“Our retailers really value our apprenticeship programme because they know that when our apprentices graduate, they have the skills they need to be a real asset to their business, offering plenty of opportunities for personal and career development.

“By progressing on to higher-level programmes, our technicians can become certified in specialist areas, including electronic diagnostics and hybrid technology.”