Lookers inspire young people with workshop visit!

Lookers North East Repair Centre has teamed up with Nacro, a social justice charity, to inspire disadvantaged young people into the workplace.

The site welcomed a group of young people with the aim of encouraging them back into education and training. Led by David Morallee, Head of Business at the site, they received a VIP tour of the facility, including insights into the Alloy Wheel Repair Centre, Vinyl Department and Workshop areas.

Nacro have over 50 years’ experience of making an impact on the lives of underprivileged people across the UK. Last year, through education and support, Nacro helped over 38,000 disadvantaged young people and adults change their lives for the better.

The visit to Lookers North East Repair Centre gave a group of young people the chance to see what they can achieve through education and training.

On their visit they were shown the state of the art equipment and skills used in the Alloy Wheel Repair Centre and workshop areas to ensure cars are maintained to the highest standard. They also had a chance to find out more about the work that goes into making the cars ready for sale, seeing car vinyls being made in the Autographics department.

The team also spoke to the young people about their own training paths, what it takes to work in the motor industry and what they love about their jobs, as well as answering questions from the captivated group.

David Morallee, Head of Business at the site said: “It was a pleasure to show these young people around the Accident Repair Centre and to give them the chance to find out more about the different elements of working in this sector. The work that NACRO are doing to help disadvantaged people is life-changing and we’re pleased to be a part of that.”

This visit is part of Lookers’ wider aim to engage with young people from all backgrounds with an apprenticeship scheme offering a range of entry level roles across the business, from technicians to service advisors to accounting apprenticeships.

Lookers doubled its apprenticeship intake last year and as a Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, the only motor retailer to receive this accolade, Lookers are recognised for their high standard of apprenticeship training programmes.

Chris Stevenson, NACRO Ambassador, told us: “David and the team did a fantastic job of inspiring our young learners, who were buzzing when they returned from their visit. David and the Team spoke passionately about the business and their role at Lookers, giving learners the inspiration to learn and achieve a future beyond their current environment!”

Additional info on Lookers

• Lookers group annual turnover in 2017 was £4.7bn
• Lookers’ adjusted operating profit for 2017 is £84.7m
• Lookers Executive Directors include Andy Bruce (Chief Executive Officer), Robin Gregson (Chief Financial Officer), Nigel McMinn (Chief Operations Officer)
• Andy Bruce, Lookers CEO, won ‘CEO of the Year’ at the prestigious Motor Trader of the Year 2016 and AM – Business Leader of the Year Award
• Lookers has been awarded the exclusive Top Employers United Kingdom 2017 Certification, please visit: top-employers.com.

Lookers is one of the Sunday Times’ Best 25 Big Companies To Work For.