Fleet World Workshop Tools
Car Tax Calculator
CO2 Calculator
Van Tax Calculator
BiK Rates Company Car Tax

RAC launches apprentice patrol academy

Six new mechanical technicians have already been found under the recruitment process and will now undergo a two-year apprenticeship programme to give them the same high level technical skills as fully qualified RAC Patrols.

The six will embark on an NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, studying at the college’s Rush Green campus one day a week, and plan to move up to the Level 3 apprenticeship.

On top of the apprenticeship training programme the new recruits will receive 20 weeks’ RAC training, benefitting from the hands-on experience of being on the road with an RAC mentor.

Project manager Simon Cooper is overseeing the roll-out of the scheme while Matthew Woodbridge is managing the day-to-day training.

Cooper said: “This academy will enable the RAC to nurture young people and expand their skillset to deliver the very best of that unique combination our customers require.”

The six apprentices, aged 18 to 23-years-old, spent their first week on a five day induction course at the RAC’s training centre in Harlow, Essex, before heading out on the road with their mentor patrols from 1 September.

If successful, the London trial will be rolled out nationwide.

Cooper added: “This is a pilot scheme to a certain extent, but we are confident that it will go well. We will take our learnings from this year and adapt to enable us to extend it across the country next year.

“The apprentices will receive a great combination of skills and training and after two years will have the same skillset as fully fledged RAC Patrols.”

Yvonne Kelly, acting principal and CEO at Barking & Dagenham College, added: “We are delighted that the RAC has chosen us as their partner in their new academy.

“This area of East London is synonymous with the automotive industry, so it seems fitting that the College is helping these young apprentices develop the high level technical skills they need for a successful career with such a trusted UK motoring organisation.”

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.