AS the cost of going to university continues to rise and the benefits of being a graduate in the job market diminish, apprenticeships have become more and more attractive.
For family-owned Swansway Motor Group, apprenticeships have always been a very important part of their recruitment, development and retention policy.
Director John Smyth saod: “The motor trade is one of those sectors which has always had apprentices, much like building, plumbing etcetera; the difference today is that, firstly, the mechanics of old wouldn’t recognise the modern apprenticeships of today”.
“Apprentice technicians work in state-of-the-art works shops and go away to manufacturer learning centres for their off the job training. All the facilities are absolutely gold standard and they are as far away from the old stereotype as it’s possible to be.
“Today’s vehicles are packed with technology and that means today’s technicians need a very wide variety of skills; secondly, we now have apprentices across our businesses, in many different roles and they bring an enthusiasm and diversity to our business which is really beneficial.”
Swansway has almost 75 apprenticeds across its operations, from the more traditional technicians to Digital Marketing and the business has apprentices within every one of its departments; sales, aftersales. parts, customer service, administration, accounts and marketing.
Head of Recruitment and apprenticeships, Scott Smith said: “As a family-owned business we’re very keen on growing our own talent and promoting from within; in our recruitment process we’re looking for a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
“These are qualities which fit with our Swansway values of caring, honest and proud and are personality traits which makes out apprentices the stars of the future.”
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