The first national ‘Apprenticeship Week’ for England happens next week.

It intends to raise the profile of apprenticeships and draw attention to the value they bring to businesses.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which is licensed by the Government as the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry, has recently pledged a 100% increase in the number of apprentices joining the retail motor industry over the next five years to help tackle skills shortages.

To coincide with Apprenticeship Week, GE’s TIP Trailer Services has announced the launch of the TIP UK workshop apprenticeship scheme, with the leasing and rental company seeking to make a long term investment in additional qualified technicians for its UK depot network.

Steve Scofield, IMI head of skills development, said: “It’s very important that our industry gets behind the apprenticeship more so now than ever before as it needs capable young minds which can be developed into tomorrow’s business leaders, sales professional and master technicians.

“Apprenticeship Week gives us the chance to celebrate apprentices as they are our future.”