LKQ Euro Car Parts partners with Apprenticeship Central to bring talent into the Aftermarket

LKQ Euro Car Parts has partnered with apprentice recruitment and retention specialist Apprenticeship Central to help workshops address the automotive skills shortage.

Operating UK-wide, Apprenticeship Central works directly with businesses to identify, place and retain high-calibre apprenticeship candidates.

The new partnership invites members of 1TEC Auto Hub – the LKQ-led garage network concept – to access Apprenticeship Central’s recruit programme, which offers support throughout the entire recruitment process.

This includes facilitating connections with prospective candidates through schools and colleges, and showcasing what a career in the automotive sector can offer. Garages who take part can also benefit from assistance in managing apprenticeship administration, government funding, liaison with training providers and college enrolment.

Available initially to 1TEC Auto Hub members, the program will be rolled out more widely to LKQ Euro Car Parts customers in the coming months.

Matt Robinson, B2B Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “The skills shortage is widely cited as one of the biggest challenges facing the independent aftermarket, but for workshops themselves to try and address it independently would be a huge drain on time and resources – time that could be spent in the workshop supporting customers.

“No single business – no matter how large – can tackle the aftermarket’s biggest hurdles alone. Collaboration is key, which is why we’re leveraging the power of partnerships to provide garages with the tools, resources and insight they need to invest effectively in new talent and help drive the sector’s continued evolution.

“We passionately believe that the independent aftermarket has hugely rewarding career opportunities to offer people with a diverse range of talents – underpinning the invaluable service it provides in local communities to keep people and businesses moving safely, affordably and sustainably.”

Eleanor Baker Barnes, Commercial Director at Apprenticeship Central, said: “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the skills crisis. We believe the only way to create real change is by combining awareness, access and, most importantly, action.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see a leader like LKQ Euro Car Parts share our ambition to break down barriers for employers and prospective apprentices, and to supercharge recruitment into the automotive sector.”