LKQ launch young talent programme
LKQ Euro Car Parts marked National Apprenticeship Week with the launch of a new initiative designed to help independent workshops recruit, train and retain the next generation of automotive talent.
The LKQ Young Talent Programme, delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Central, aims to remove barriers that can prevent workshops from taking on apprentices – from the administrative burden and difficulty finding suitable candidates to concerns around early drop-out.
LKQ Euro Car Parts says the programme combines end-to-end apprentice recruitment from Apprenticeship Central with LKQ Academy-led professional development and engagement, including a dedicated pre-employment summer bootcamp designed to prepare apprentices for the realities of workshop life before they start.
Once the apprentice is in post, the national distributor reports, employers can benefit from ongoing retention support, regular progress reviews and continued development through the LKQ Academy and Apprenticeship Central, as well as networking opportunities across the apprenticeship community.
Not exclusive to LKQ customers
Open to all automotive aftermarket businesses across the UK and Ireland, including non-LKQ customers, the initiative is designed to “sit alongside formal apprenticeship training rather than replace it”. This is so employers remain in control of who they employ and where apprentices are trained, while still benefiting from structured recruitment and onboarding.
It is also designed to deliver commercial value for employers. Employer recruitment costs are covered by the £1,000 government payment available for employers in England when they take on an apprentice aged 16-18. In addition, apprenticeship training costs are fully funded by government for apprentices aged 16-21 at non-levy paying employers in England (businesses with an annual pay bill of under £3 million).
LKQ Euro Car Parts B2B Director, Matt Robinson, said: “It’s clear that the key challenge in delivering apprenticeship programmes is not a lack of willingness from employers, but concerns over their ability to manage the process alongside day-to-day operations.
“This programme tackles those issues head-on, ensuring apprentices are better prepared before day one and have the right support once they’re in the business – allowing both the technician and the apprentice to spend more time on the garage floor.”
LKQ Academy Head of Support, Lee Chapman, said: “Through LKQ Academy, we’ve always been focused on building real capability in the aftermarket to help people feel confident, supported and proud of the work they do.
“The Young Talent Programme is a natural extension of this commitment. It gives apprentices a stronger start, and it gives employers the structure and community around them to help young technicians stay the course and thrive.”
The Young Talent Programme is now live, with recruitment open for the first cohort. Employers can register their interest by speaking to an LKQ representative or contacting Apprenticeship Central directly.
