Sparshatt Truck and Van, a Kent-based Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership, has opened applications to its apprenticeship scheme in Dartford, Sittingbourne, Ashford and Tonbridge for the third year running.
Through the scheme, the company hopes to encourage more young professionals into the industry and bridge the gap between the number of skilled technicians available.
The Sparshatt Truck and Van three-year apprenticeship scheme provides a Level 3 qualification in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance, awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). After the third year, successful apprentices are trained to use their new skills in the workplace during an ‘Improver Year’.
The training consists of four days within the workshop and one day in the classroom developing knowledge and learning skills.
While training, apprentices will work alongside a highly qualified Mercedes-Benz technician to learn to use the latest automotive technology with up-to-date tools and equipment.
Apprentices will also be able to benefit from interest-free loans to help fund tools and toolboxes, as well as healthcare cashback and access to wellbeing support via Simply Health. Other benefits include access to bonus and cycle-to-work schemes.
21-year-old Callum Brown, who graduated from the Sparshatt training academy this year and is now a qualified Heavy Vehicle Technician at the dealership’s Sittingbourne garage, said: “I completed my work experience at Sparshatt when I was at school, and I knew that once I had left, I wanted to be a mechanic.
“The training academy was great. I loved going to college every week and learning new things, working with new people and gaining information that I would need for my apprenticeship from experienced trainers.”
For January 2024, there are six apprenticeship opportunities – one for Tonbridge, one for Ashford, two for Dartford and two for Sittingbourne. Applications are open to anyone over 18 years old with a grade C (or new grade 4) or above in GCSE English and Maths or an equivalent qualification.
For the 2024 intake, applications must be in by the end of September. If successful, applicants will be invited to a selection day in October. The new apprentices will then start in November and December and training will commence in January.