Sytner Group's CarShop used car supermarket operation has opened a £100,000 Technical Training Centre at its preparation centre in Leighton Buzzard.

The opening of the centre is a step towards its business goal of “leading the evolution of the automotive marketplace,” CarShop said in a statement.

Commercial director, James Dunkley, said: “The opening of our Technical Training Centre is a landmark day for CarShop and the Sytner Group Car Supermarket Division.

“It is testament to our commitment to invest in our people, ensuring we deliver a world class Colleague experience so they can in turn deliver a world class experience to our customers.”

Plans are already in place to use the new CarShop training facility for all ongoing training for colleagues for a range of roles in both the Preparation Centre itself, as well as the Service Centres in each store.

Rob Pardon, talent development manager at CarShop, said: “In an ever-evolving industry, it's increasingly important for us to develop the skills and knowledge of all colleagues, particularly our qualified technicians across the business.

“Our courses blend classroom learning with practical activities, allowing us to hone existing skills to keep pace with both the advancing technology in today's cars, and the most up-to-date repair techniques available.

“Perhaps the most exciting development is our new CarShop Traineeship.

"Tackling the skills shortage in paint and body sector head on, this exciting programme takes new-to-the-industry talent and develops their skills quickly via an intensive training approach."

Dunkley said: “Creating and developing our own talent is a key strategic focus as we know these colleagues are the ones that go on to thrive within our business, the training centre will undoubtedly support this strategy.

“A massive thank you has to go to the team behind making this happen and to the Sytner Board members for their support.”