Car dealer’s boost for apprenticeship drive

P&J campaign: Initiative keeps powering ahead

A Scottish car dealer has kept the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign firing on all cylinders after pledging to boost a young person’s career prospects.

Arnold Clark, which has more than 200 dealerships in Scotland and England, will take on an apprentice as part of our crusade to create 100 new jobs in 100 days.

Though we reached our target last week, we are still trying to generate as many new apprenticeships as possible before the campaign ends next month.

ArnoldClark apprentices cut their teeth at GTG Training, whichhas centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Wolverhampton.

A number of its trainees have come through the

“Imperative that we continue to provide a strong platform”

Prince’s Trust organisation’sGet Into CarMechanics course, which is aimed at young adults who have struggled to find employment after leaving school.

Glen Gall, chairman of GTG, said his organisation was proud to be part of Apprentice 100, which he described as a “fantastic initiative”.

Mr Gall added: “It’s an honour to sit beside so many impressive business names willing to pledge their support for apprentices through the P& J’s campaign.

“It is imperative for our local communities that we continue to provide a strong platform upon which young people can build a bright future.”

Carol Henry, HR director of Arnold Clark and director of GTG, said the successful candidate will gain the most up- to- date knowledge and skills through the apprenticeship programme.

Samantha Copeland is currently training as a vehicle refinisher at Arnold Clark in Aberdeen.

The 17-year-old said in her first year as an apprentice she has learned how to prepare a car for painting and to use different techniques with the spray gun.

Once she has finished her apprenticeship and built up some experience, Samanthawantsto startup her own business.

Lee McManus, 26, got into his technician apprenticeship at Arnold Clark seven years ago through the Prince’s Trust.

Mr McManus, who has relocated from Glasgow to Aberdeen, said he would eventually like to be in charge of his own Arnold Clark branch.

Apply to become an Arnold Clark apprentice by visiting www. arnoldclark.com/careers/

CAREER DRIVE: Samantha Copeland, 17, is training as a vehicle refinisher at Arnold Clark in Aberdeen