This World Youth Skill Day (July 15th), Sparshatt Truck & Van Ltd, a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership, is celebrating the success of its Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship scheme.
Based in Kent at multiple locations, including Dartford, Ashford, Tonbridge and Sittingbourne, the award-winning Mercedes Benz and FUSO commercial vehicle dealer takes on a number of apprentices on an annual basis, with applications opening in August for the 2024 intake.
Its apprenticeship scheme provides participants with multiple trade skills to equip them with the necessary tools to succeed in the industry, as well as the opportunity learn about Mercedes-Benz trucks, one of the most recognised and luxurious brands in the world.
The Sparshatt Training Academy delivers exemplary apprenticeship training, providing a high-quality learning experience, underpinned by values of ‘respect’, ‘care’, ‘trust’ and ‘safety’.
The academy is managed by Joanne Jackson, Head of Aftersales, who with the support of Steve Rooney the Dealer Principal, made the decision in 2019 to create the Sparshatt Training Academy which officially launched in January 2020, offering apprenticeship training to apprentices.
In further developments, the Academy appointed a new Sparshatt Academy Trainer – James Avison who after working in truck workshops for many years with the Company made the decision to re-train and is now offering hands-on learning while keeping abreast of the latest automotive technology.
As well as James, the apprentices are supported by Sarah Hayward, who ensures they are supported throughout their journey, and is always on hand to help each be the best they can be in her role as Academy Pastoral and Learning Coach.
Apprentices are given the opportunity to learn on the job alongside highly-qualified Mercedes-Benz technicians and gain a thorough understanding of how to use up-to-date tools and equipment.
As part of Youth Skill Day, Sparshatt Truck & Van sought insight from three of its Apprentice Technicians from the 2023 intake.
Matt Grant said, “I wanted to part of a team and to help keep the trucks we all rely on keep moving on the road, and this apprenticeship has allowed me to do that while learning valuable trade skills.”
Ellie Barton said, “A full-time college course did not appeal to me, but the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship suits me perfectly.
“I can learn and earn at the same time, both on the job and while at college. I have worked on trucks from a young age so it made sense to learn something I am passionate about.”
Flynn Holmes said, “I’m a problem solver and enjoy finding solutions on the job. Being an apprentice has allowed me to learn while experiencing the real world of work.”
For the January 2024 intake, applications open in August and must be in by the end of September. If successful they will be invited to a selection day which will take place throughout October. The new apprentices will then start in November and December and training will commence in January.
