National training provider, Remit, is already working with 650 apprentices across the West Midlands, with a number training to be vehicle technicians.
Many motor industry apprentices may hop on a bus to get to work, but most don’t get the chance to actually repair and refurbish them on a daily basis. Walsall lad, Robert Beardmore, is a heavy vehicle apprentice technician and gets the chance to do just that.
The 19-year-old has been working with Volant Passenger Vehicle Solutions in Aldridge for the past five months.
The company, which started out as two men selling used buses, has now grown to be a busy heavy vehicle garage, servicing and refurbishing buses, coaches and lorries.
Volant recently set up its VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) Authorised Testing Facility (ATF), making sure heavy vehicles are safe and road worthy.
Being involved in such a specialist area is a great opportunity for both the company and its apprentices.
Company director, John Wood, said: “It’s really important to us that as our business grows, we offer opportunities to young people who want to learn and grow with us.
“Robert’s skills are improving every day, thanks to what he’s learning at college, through his Remit assessor and of course, while he’s on the job. He’s a valued member of the team and we hope he will be working with us for many years to come.”
Robert spends most of his time working on-site at the company’s plant in Aldridge, with one day a week spent at Wolverhampton College. He is regularly visited by his Remit assessor, who helps him get through his NVQ qualification.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. I didn’t want to be sat at school or college all day, and still come out without a job. Here I’ve been employed and earning a good wage from day one, and will come out with qualifications that will spur me on for my future career.”
Remit’s assessor, Lee Billingham, said: “Being taught technical skills at college, and then getting back to work and putting those in to practice is the best way to learn. Robert’s doing really well, so much so that Volant will be looking to take on some more apprentices in the next year or so.”
Remit works with around 5,400 apprentices across the country, providing apprenticeships in the motor industry, food and hospitality, passenger transport and IT sectors.
At any one point in time there are live vacancies across the West Midlands in the motor industry and through Remit’s IT academy. Young people, parents or teachers should contact Remit on 01623 410020, visit the website: www.remit.co.uk or like our Facebook page ‘Remit Group’ and send us a message.
