Sparshatt Truck and Van has opened applications to its apprenticeship scheme in Dartford, Sittingbourne, Ashford, and Tonbridge for the third year running.
The Sparshatt Truck and Van three-year apprenticeship scheme provides a Level 3 qualification in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance, awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). After the third year, successful apprentices are trained to use their new skills in the workplace during an ‘Improver Year’.
Launched in 2020, the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership is the only employer in the district that offers its own academy. The company hopes to encourage more young professionals into the industry and bridge the gap between the number of skilled technicians available.
The training consists of four days within the workshop and one day in the classroom developing knowledge and learning skills.
While training, apprentices will work alongside a highly qualified Mercedes-Benz technician to learn to use the latest automotive technology with up-to-date tools and equipment. Apprentices will also be able to benefit from interest-free loans to help fund tools and toolboxes, as well as healthcare cashback and access to wellbeing support via Simply Health. Other benefits include access to bonus and cycle-to-work schemes.
Callum Brown, 21, who graduated from the Sparshatt training academy this year and is now a qualified Heavy Vehicle Technician at the dealership’s Sittingbourne garage said, “I completed my work experience at Sparshatt when I was at school, and I knew that once I had left, I wanted to be a mechanic.
“The training academy was great, I loved going to college every week and learning new things, working with new people, and gaining information that I would need for my apprenticeship from experienced trainers.”
Callum, from the Isle of Sheppey hopes to stay at Sparshatt Truck and Van as a Heavy Vehicle Technician and work his way up. Callum said, “The training academy is a great opportunity to gain experience and knowledge. Plus, you will come out with a great qualification at the end of it- I would recommend it to everyone!”
For January 2024, there are six apprenticeship opportunities, one for Tonbridge, one for Ashford, two for Dartford, and two for Sittingbourne.
Sarah Hayward, Academy Pastoral & Learning Coach for the Sparshatt Training Academy said, “I love that we are providing young people with quality training to fill a vital skill gap in order to keep trucks and vans on the road supporting the supply chain.”
“The quality of teaching and support that you get across the training academy is exceptional and is one of the best ways to earn and learn.”
For the January 2024 intake, applications must be in by the end of September, and if successful you will be invited to a selection day which will take place in October. The new apprentices will then start in November and December and training will commence in January.
For more information, please visit https://sparshattgroup.com/join-our-team/thesparshatttrainingacademy/.
Applications are open to anyone over 18-years-old with a grade C (or new grade 4) or above in GCSE English and Maths or an equivalent qualification. Successful candidates will show a mechanical aptitude, an interest and enthusiasm for the commercial vehicle industry, an ability to work in an organised way with an eye for detail, and good communication skills.
Sparshatt Truck & Van Ltd is a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership in Kent that services and maintains Mercedes trucks and vans, including supplying genuine Mercedes parts. They have aftersales sites in Sittingbourne, Dartford, Ashford, and Tonbridge and a sales site and body shop in Sittingbourne. The sales team can provide expertise in buying the correct commercial vehicle for required business needs.
