The National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) is calling for greater awareness for careers in the automotive retail industry after meeting with Shadow Treasury Minister Cathy Jamieson.

Jamieson met with NFDA director Sue Robinson and Arnold Clark Automobiles group managing director Eddie Hawthorne to discuss careers in the industry at the Scottish business’s GTG Training Centre in Glasgow.

Jamieson is also the local MP for Kilmarnock.

Arnold Clark purchased GTG training in 2003 and provides training and education for apprentices and graduates in areas such as automotive technical and transport across to sales training. As well as this, they also provide a range of apprenticeship programmes.

Robinson said: “NFDA member Arnold Clark Group along with many other NFDA dealers put a considerable investment into training for their staff, and recognising the importance of investing in the future’s workforce.

“The visit provided an opportunity to find out more about the centre, and discuss the need for greater awareness around the scope for future careers within the retail motor industry at schools and colleges.”

Despite dealer groups offering many well paid, desirable positions within marketing departments, digital teams, customer services and managerial roles, the automotive retail industry still suffers from a negative reputation with young people and parents.

Technician positions are the best publicised in terms of awareness for apprenticeships, but the variety of positions available within a dealership needs to be pushed and highlighted.

Please leave a comment to add your opinion on how the automotive industry, NFDA and IMI could help to raise the profile of the industry to young people.