Suzuki (GB) has opened its new National Apprentice Training Centre based in Armthorpe, near Doncaster.

The new centre is the hub for Suzuki’s apprentice training across its franchised dealers and authorised repair network and includes staff from car, motorcycle and ATV sections of the business.

Suzuki launched its apprenticeship programme for its car dealers in 2003 with motorcycle and ATV apprentices added in 2004. The first apprentice group graduated in 2005 and has produced 171 graduates to date.

This year there are currently over 100 apprentices in the programme, roughly split as 70 from Suzuki franchised car dealers from a total of 158 dealers in the UK, as well as 30 from motorcycle and ATV dealers.

Under the tuition and mentoring from four trainers employed by service provider SPX Service Solutions, apprentices study in 17 blocks over a 36 month period with parts and aftersales studying eight blocks plus a further 16 days dealer training over a 30 month period.

As part of their final year, technical apprentices are then put through their accredited level assessments on the Suzuki Master Technician Programme prior to graduating.

Denis Houston, aftersales director for Suzuki GB, said: “Developing the skills of our apprentices is an excellent way of strengthening our performance, staying true to our company vision and ultimately offering even better customer service.

“The Suzuki Apprenticeship Programme provides a strong foundation on which to develop their careers with Suzuki in the future.”