Arnold Clark will attempt to use a newly-launched promotional vehicle to attract young automotive talent to fill the company's 300 vacancies for new apprentices.

Launched last week at the Glasgow Science Centre, schools and colleges can apply to book the truck for free.

The vehicle's features include:

  • An exhibition space complete with TVs and iPads with simulated games and quizzes.
  • Six interactive boards which can be used to try out some of the skills learned in different apprenticeships.
  • A seating area with tablets to access the Arnold Clark website where they can apply for an apprenticeship.

Arnold Clark’s apprentice recruitment manager, Suzanne Sherry, said: “We wanted to do something to really excite young people about the amazing apprenticeship opportunities that are out there, not just at Arnold Clark but in general.

“We want to fly the flag for everybody who offers apprenticeships and the vehicle seemed like a great way to make sure we reach out to as many young people across Scotland as possible and really spread the word.

“I have 300 Arnold Clark apprenticeship vacancies to fill this year so the ultimate goal would be that some of the young people we engage with through the vehicle will get on board and join us."

Arnold Clark offers apprenticeships across 12 different disciplines including IT, mechanics, alarm engineering, parts, garage equipment engineering and business administration.

In addition to modern apprenticeships it also offers graduate apprenticeships in IT software design.

Sherry said: “One of the boards is a mini tyre-change task, which involves using an impact gun to remove and fit a wheel, while another one is all about electricity, connectivity and how to wire things up correctly.

“There is also a board based on a house alarm system, complete with a control panel and sensors, which has to be wired correctly to work and one based on hydraulics which shows the mini workings of a lift.”

Skills Development Scotland’s director of career information advice and guidance operations, James Russell, said: “There’s an ever-increasing appetite for work-based learning and there are even more opportunities this year to take up foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships.

"Initiatives like the truck are a great way to get young people interested in apprenticeships and give them an opportunity for experiential learning before making career choices.”