A year-long programme for senior pupils to gain an insight into different aspects of the motor trade and the range of automotive apprenticeships on offer.
Twenty pupils across eight Aberdeen secondary schools are attending twice-weekly sessions at a local John Clark site, allowing them to develop their skills, knowledge and experience of the automotive trade.
Throughout the year-long programme, they rotate across different sites gaining exposure to areas such as vehicle technology, bodyshop repairs and parts.
On completion, the participants will have the opportunity to apply for a variety of apprenticeship roles with the John Clark Motor Group.
This inaugural programme has been successfully rolled out to pupils across various city schools, following initial groundwork and conversations between John Clark Motor Group, St Machar Academy and DYW North East.
It has provided senior pupils who have an interest in the automotive sector with hands-on, practical experience of what an apprenticeship - and indeed an ongoing career - in the motor industry involves.
From a young person's viewpoint, they can apply for an apprenticeship at the end of the programme with a clear understanding of what the role involves. As an employer, John Clark Motor Group is set to receive applications from young people who already have an understanding of both the role and the organisation - and who are committed to the apprenticeship.
Prior to starting the programme, all 20 young people completed necessary Health & Safety training over a number of weeks. This training was provided by a tutor from North East Scotland College in partnership with staff from St Machar Academy, allowing the pupils to gain a Health & Safety qualification.
During initial interviews for the year-long automotive academy, some of the pupils who were of an age to leave school were offered apprenticeships at the outset. These pupils have since progressed into full-time employment with John Clark Motor Group.
Another young person who completed a week of valeting work experience is set to be offered a permanent job with the company.
Planning is already underway to repeat the programme in 2025-26, given the early and significant success of its inaugural year.
"As a school, we are delighted with how successful this programme has been and look forward to all of the young people involved progressing into employment in the auto-trade industry."
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