Jessica O'ConnorThe RAC is expanding its mechanic apprenticeship scheme nationwide for the first time through a new partnership with North Humberside Motor Trades GTA in Hull.
The initiative will enable students across the north, south and west of England to train as RAC patrols or mobile mechanics through the ‘RAC Academy’, with support through their Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair apprenticeship that includes practical roadside experience.
The 30-month programme combines workplace and classroom learning, with apprentices spending three weeks per month working alongside qualified RAC patrols at roadside locations, followed by one week of classroom-based training.
Students will benefit from dedicated mentors and managers from the RAC who oversee their development throughout the programme, preparing them for roles either fixing and recovering vehicles at roadside or servicing and repairing customers’ vehicles at their homes or workplaces.
The RAC reported that since its launch in 2015, the Academy has supported more than 150 apprentices to become qualified patrols and mobile mechanics through its college partnerships.
Tony Cullum, RAC Academy manager, said: “Through our new partnership with Motor Trades GTA College, we can now offer budding mechanics all over England the keys to an RAC career.
“Whether rescuing customers at the roadside as a patrol, or servicing and repairing customers’ cars at their home or work as an RAC Mobile Mechanic, our apprentices have choice over their futures and the support to make a success of it.”
Rachael Owen, business and marketing lead at Motor Trades GTA College, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the prestigious RAC Academy to deliver these amazing apprenticeship programmes.
“We feel the opportunity to train and educate new roadside apprentices across the North of England will be a positive step in expanding our current apprenticeship provision.”
