Get into Cars helps young people access first-class motor industry training.
The Prince’s Trust Get into Cars programme helps young people pursue their passion for the automotive industry by offering them the opportunity to gain a place on an apprenticeship programme with GTG.
A celebration of the 13 Prince’s Trust candidates was recently held at GTG Glasgow, with the candidates’ friends and family coming together with GTG trainers and managers to mark the end of their intensive six-week skills development programme. Louise Goodlad, Senior Head of Partnerships for the Prince's Trust, who hosted the event, was full of praise for the partnership, saying: ‘We couldn’t run these courses without the commitment and dedication of the team here at GTG.’
Over the six weeks, the candidates gained an in-depth understanding of the car industry, enhanced their mechanical skills and enjoyed invaluable workplace experience. Some of the disciplines students learned were basic car maintenance, tyre fitting and welding. These are crucial skills that will help them with their career development.
Matthew Docherty, who took part in last year’s Get into Cars programme, spoke at the event. He congratulated all the candidates and encouraged everyone to continue working hard. Matthew is in his first year of his apprenticeship, which he said has been a great experience.
There was also a Q&A with two of this year’s candidates, Elizabeth Lewis and George Wilson. Elizabeth said that she ‘enjoyed the full programme. It has been a great experience in the workshop and to meet new people who love working with cars.’ George also enjoyed attending GTG. ‘I feel that becoming an apprentice would benefit me a lot as it is not just a job, it is a career,’ he added.
To celebrate the eleventh year of the partnership between the Prince’s Trust, Arnold Clark and GTG, Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Manager Eddie Hawthorne presented each graduate with their certificate and toolbox. Eddie also surprised the graduates when he announced that all thirteen candidates had officially been accepted on to an apprenticeship programme.
Billy Hammond, GTG Operations Director, commended the hard work and dedication of the candidates, saying: ‘It is fantastic to see these young people apply themselves and gain a place on one of our apprenticeship programmes. Every year GTG provides industry-leading training to hundreds of apprentices and I’m delighted that these thirteen candidates will be joining us at GTG this year.’
These new apprentices are the first of over 400 that will start their training with GTG this year. The apprentices from the Get into Cars programme will all attend GTG Glasgow for their training for the next three years. All the apprentices will continue to develop their mechanical knowledge and skills with the opportunity to become fully qualified mechanics in the future.
Find out more about the Prince's Trust Get into Cars programme