Vehicle maintenance students offered apprenticeships at Bath Audi

Four students who studied at Bath College have taken the next step in their career and secured employment at Bath Audi.

First year apprentices Morgan East and Malique Hayward are working at the car dealership in Peasedown St John alongside second year apprentice Dan Church and trainee service technician Josh Cocks.

All four students began learning their trade by studying vehicle maintenance and repair at Bath College’s Somer Valley Campus.

Working at Bath Audi will take them to the next level as they specialise in carrying out services, MOTs and repairs for Audi owners.

Dan, 19, from Midsomer Norton, said: “I enjoy working on cars, I have always wanted to work with them, so this is perfect for me.

“You get paid to learn and you’re doing something you enjoy. I get on well with the guys in the team, there’s always someone in the workshop to show you what to do if you need help.”

Morgan, 17, said: “I worked in a local garage, which gave me a taster of what it’s like to work in the motor industry. After that I knew what I wanted to do and I’m hoping to make it a long-term career”.

All apprentices with Audi learn at the National Learning Centre, a state-of-the-art training facility in Milton Keynes. They also need to have a C grade at GCSE in English and maths.

Barry Russell, After Sales Manager at Bath Audi, works with Bath College, visiting to speak to students about apprenticeship programmes.

He said: “I’m impressed with these four. They get on with the job and they’re always willing to learn. They’re also local, and I like to employ local people.

“We like to grow our own and make sure they’re learning about our product. With Audi, the cars are so technical and the technology is moving fast, particularly when it comes to electric cars. Every month something new comes out.”

Glyn Mountjoy, Automotive and Engineering Learning Coordinator at Bath College, said: “Our aim is to get our students work ready. We want to prepare students for the ever-changing environment of automotive engineering, and see them progress to a position where they can become apprentices.

“At Bath Audi, Barry Russell has been very supportive giving our students the opportunity to experience high-end modern technology at Audi on work experience.

“He has also visited during employability week as a guest speaker, providing our students with an insight into what dealerships look for when recruiting. This gives our students a better chance of moving into the industry.”