Cotswolds MP steps in to help local car garage

Cotswolds MP steps in to help local car garage

The MP for the Cotswolds has stepped in to help a local car garage attract more young talent to its apprenticeship schemes.

The owner of Autotec Classic Cars in Andoversford contacted MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (pictured) amid concerns that there is a lack of talent in the motor trade industry and too few youngsters with the right skills to join the business as an apprentice.

Mr Clifton-Brown has responded by writing to skills minister Nick Boles and also putting the firm in touch with GFirst, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership which helps the county produce skilled tradesmen.

Apprenticeships schemes are a great way to secure the best talent for the future. However, when doing so it is important the business makes sure that its combined motor trade insurance policy still provides adequate cover for the risks posed by having younger, untrained personnel on the premises.

Autotec Classic Cars provides repairs for vehicles ranging from modern and classic everyday road cars to specialist luxury cars, the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard reported.

Mr Clifton-Brown said: "The sort of specialist service provided by Autotec Classic Cars is exactly the type of skill set our education system should be providing, and it is disappointing that Richard Roberts [the owner] has been unable to find qualified apprentices.

"It is crucial for our economic recovery that young people are taught necessary skills across a wide range of industries. I will continue to support all measures that are aimed at achieving this. I have now put Mr Roberts in touch with the LEP and I hope that they will be able to work together to tackle this problem and I look forward to being involved in that process."