LKQ launches Apprentice+ programme

LKQ UK and Ireland has launched its new Apprentice+ programme, with the first two cohorts completing the opening learning pathway at LKQ Academy.

Delivered through LKQ Academy’s bodyshop division, the programme has been developed to complement college and workplace learning with hands-on experience, practical assessments and a broader understanding of the repair journey.

The first two cohorts, comprising 15 apprentices, have completed the initial pathway, ‘Health and Safety: The Compliance Code’.

Developed in response to industry feedback calling for greater practical support for apprentices, Apprentice+ brings together learners from a range of UK bodyshops, from independent businesses to larger repair groups.

The first pathway included an introduction from LKQ Academy’s technical trainers and Chris Colton, Specialist Application Engineer AAD UK and Ireland at pathway sponsor 3M.

Apprentices were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of LKQ’s T1 distribution warehouse in Tamworth to provide an insight into the supply chain and how products reach bodyshops.

The programme then focused on health and safety best practice and legislation, before apprentices worked in pairs to identify mocked-up safety issues around LKQ Academy and discuss potential solutions. All participants successfully completed the practical assessment.

Lee Smedley, Technical Training & Development Manager at LKQ, said: “Having mentored apprentices throughout my career, including our own apprentices at LKQ, I know that college and workplace learning provide a hugely important foundation, but there can still be gaps between understanding something and feeling confident putting it into practice.

“Apprentice+ is about going beyond the classroom and giving apprentices the opportunity to get hands on and ask the questions directly in the right environment, understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing and learn alongside people at the same stage of their journey.”

The Apprentice+ programme will comprise six practical pathways covering areas including health and safety, panel repair, paint, mechanical and electrical repair, trim, quality control, profitability and sustainability.

LKQ said the programme is intended to give apprentices a broader understanding of the modern bodyshop and the different disciplines involved in delivering a successful vehicle repair.