Hendy charges apprentice ambassadors with promoting automotive careers

Family-owned Hendy Group is set to launch its new Apprentice Ambassador programme, designed to inspire more individuals to pursue careers in the automotive industry.

This initiative, which aims to create a world-class career pathway, will be unveiled during Hendy’s Apprentice Day on October 31, where the company will celebrate the achievements of its 2024 apprentice intake of over 50 individuals.

The Apprentice Ambassador role will be open to both current apprentices and recent graduates of Hendy’s apprentice programme.

Candidates who have shown adaptability and a capacity for alternative thinking during their training will be chosen to fill the role, which will encourage fresh insights and strengthen team dynamics.

Through a collaboration between Hendy’s People Team and the Association of Apprentices, the Apprentice Ambassador programme will support ambassadors in engaging with the wider apprentice community at Hendy.

The programme is designed to help ambassadors advocate for the needs and ideas of apprentices, enhancing the overall experience and positioning Hendy as an attractive employer for young professionals starting their careers.

This year’s Hendy Apprentice Day will be themed "adaptability and fresh thinking," values and will explore how apprentices can contribute innovative ideas and foster agility in the workplace.

“A number of the leadership team at Hendy began as apprentices, and encouraging more young people to consider a career in automotive is now a key part of our Hendy culture,” said Sarah Martyn, director of people and organisational development at Hendy Group. “The launch of our Apprentice Ambassador role is one way Hendy can make a positive change while building a talent pipeline for the future."

Noting that Hendy’s Apprentice Day encourages apprentices to share their ideas on adaptation, he added: "Being able to adjust to changing circumstances is crucial to success, both personally and professionally. This can mean challenging your own thinking, adapting to a new team dynamic, or aligning with a broader business strategy."

Iwan Thomas MBE, Hendy Brand Ambassador and former GB sprinter, will join the Apprentice Day event at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum. He will speak to more than 90 attendees on the role of flexibility and motivation in any career, offering insights from his own journey to inspire the new apprentices in their professional growth.