North East young people urged to apply for apprenticeship programme

Young people in the North East have been encouraged to apply for an award-winning apprenticeship programme with Lookers, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading car dealerships.

As part of the recruitment campaign launched today, young people already involved in the programme have spoken about their experiences, which is recognised nationally as one of the top apprenticeship opportunities with Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship employer status and as a Winner of the regional Macro Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Lookers is particularly seeking to attract young female apprentices, to further build on the launch of its industry-wide Female Apprenticeship Network. Specifically 28 roles are being recruited across the North East and applications can be submitted through the Lookers recruitment webpage: https://www.lookers.co.uk/careers/lookers-apprenticeships

Apprentice Jessica Brakenbury from Ford Middlesbrough, said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship with Lookers Ford Middlesbrough. The level of support and training available has been brilliant and everyone in the Company has been really welcoming and supportive. Joining the Female Apprenticeship Network is a great opportunity to learn more about the future of the industry and inspire other young women apprentices. This programme is an incredible opportunity to develop your skills and start your career in a fast-paced industry which is innovating every day and I would encourage everyone to apply.”

The programme offers young people a wide range of roles across the UK and Ireland ranging from customer facing to service technician roles. Prospective applicants can choose from some of the world’s most well-known manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar Land Rover.

Lookers’ chief retail operations officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “Lookers is committed to apprenticeships as part of our continued investment to attract bright, young and ambitious talent into the business. We are delighted to offer 28 roles here in the North East as part of our national campaign to recruit 180 apprentices across the country, providing young people with the opportunity to build their confidence, skills and experience in a dynamic and continually evolving industry.

“The Lookers Apprenticeship Programme has enabled Lookers to develop many high calibre, talented individuals, many of whom have gone on to receive industry and national recognition in England, but the investment also demonstrates our confidence and ambition for the future despite the difficult challenges of this year.”

Apprentices will join the business across a variety of roles, including Parts Advisors, Service Technicians, Body Repairer Technicians and Customer Service Advisors.

“It’s a testament to the success of our investment in new talent for both Lookers and our apprentices that we’ve been able to offer an increased number of roles this year here in the North East. Not only do our apprenticeships enable us to help meet the future demands of our customers, we have also encouraged more young, talented women to join the business through this route. We were proud to have led the development of an Industry-wide Female Apprenticeship Network to help inspire the next generation of female leaders in the automotive industry. Encouraging greater diversity in our next generation of talent is a priority for Lookers,” said Matt Clay, group qualifications manager.