TrustFord is hoping to attract 78 talented workers to share its “business success” with the opening of the application process for its largest ever intake of apprentices.

The Ford-owned AM100 retail group said that the move to recruit eight more apprentices than it had taken on in previous years signalled its “continued commitment to attracting new talent to the automotive industry”.

Positions are available throughout England and Northern Ireland and Channel Islands, covering a huge variety of roles, including technician, parts advisor, bodyshop technician, accounts executive and sales administrator.

Stuart Foulds, chief executive and chairman of TrustFord, said: “At TrustFord we are committed to offering opportunities to new apprentices. It is a great way for people from all backgrounds to enhance their skillset, and provides an important access point to the industry.

“A dynamic, talented workforce is essential if we are to continue to remain the most productive and innovative automotive sector in Europe. Supporting apprentices allows us to grow and retain the best talent, who can share in TrustFord’s business success.”

TrustFord’s apprenticeship offers on the job training for a period of between 18 months and three years, depending on the role, and sees successful participants achieve NVQ-level qualifications.

The group said that there was also a realistic prospect of starting a career within the business as a result of participation.

TrustFord’s apprentice retention rates show that, on average, approximately 90% of the its apprentices are offered a full-time job at the end of their apprenticeship.

The retail group has been running its apprenticeship scheme for over 15 years.

Applicants can contact the TrustFord jobs centre at recruitment@trustfordjobs.co.uk or visit https://www.trustfordjobs.co.uk/.