The three-year course is a collaborative effort between the two companies that will provide training for all disciplines in the automotive industry. It includes training for technical, body and paint, heavy vehicle, motorcycle and public service vehicle technicians as well as training for parts apprentices and service advisers. For the first time, roadside assistance training will also be provided. Alan Mackrill, director of learning and skills at the Institute of the Motor Industry, the awarding body for the AA apprenticeship, said the launch of the scheme represented an important step for the industry. “With the exponential advances in automotive technology, it's critical that the motor industry recruits capable and motivated individuals and helps them develop their skills,” he said. “This new apprenticeship programme for the AA provides a further opportunity to encourage aspirational young people into an exciting and rewarding career.” Recruitment for the scheme, which combines practical, classroom and e-based learning, has already begun. Around 400 apprentices are expected to join the programme with numbers rising year-on-year. Training centres in Newport in south Wales, Basingstoke, the east midlands, Middlesborough and Glasgow have been set up to house the training workshops. Training will be aimed at 16 to 24 year-olds but it is anticipated the bulk of recruits will be aged between 16 and 18. Carter & Carter said the combined efforts of the two firms had allowed them to produce a training programme tailored for the independent sector. “The collaboration of our two organisations will enable us to draw on our combined skills and experience to deliver a high quality apprenticeship programme suited to the needs of the independent garage sector,” said Steve Yardley C&C vocational learning director.