EMTEC Recruitment Services has seen a 35% increase in the number of apprentice applications for the first four months of the year compared to the same period last year, reflecting an increase in the number of young people interested in a career in the motor industry.

Last year EMTEC, a UK provider of training services to the automotive sector and part of the Carter and Carter Group, received 6,895 applications for manufacturer-specific apprenticeships between January 1 and April 29.

This year they have received a record number 10,664 and they have already secured 1,611 places for apprentices so far this year.

Steve Fryer, national recruitment manager for EMTEC Recruitment Services, says: “The industry has suffered a skills shortage in the last few years, and the apprenticeship programmes are a great way for the industry to start to address this concern.

"With manufacturers now training their own apprentices on dedicated brand specific programmes, it is a great opportunity for young people to work towards a national qualification whilst working in a full time career within the industry. The range of opportunities is growing each year and we now recruit for a whole range of different roles from service advisor to technician.”