Exeter teenager joins more than 50 young learners on growing automotive apprenticeship scheme

More than 50 young learners are on the road to becoming fully-fledged vehicle technicians thanks to an apprenticeship scheme set up by major UK automotive services retailer Protyre Autocare.

Protyre Autocare, which has its headquarters in Micheldever, Hampshire welcomed a record intake of 30 apprentices onto its apprenticeship scheme in 2025, taking the total number of learners recruited to 54 since autumn 2023.

The apprentices are based at Protyre Autocare’s garages across England, Scotland and Wales and spend four days a week gaining practical experience in their local Protyre Autocare garage, where they ‘earn while they learn’.

They include Jack Bauer, 18, who is an apprentice at Protyre Autocare’s Taunton branch and attends Exeter College for his study day.

The apprentices spend one day a week at college, combining their classroom and on-the-job learning to work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship.

Once qualified as vehicle technicians, they can further their careers with Protyre Autocare through management programmes or advanced training to become MOT testers, master technicians and experts in other specialist areas of vehicle maintenance.

Protyre Autocare is highlighting the growth of its apprenticeship programme to mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15).

Jake Lickorish, apprenticeship lead and technical trainer for Protyre Autocare, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is growing year-on-year and is a great way for us to recruit young talent.

“We have an ageing workforce nationally and a real need to promote employment opportunities for young people. This scheme gives our apprentices the chance to learn from the best and to forge a career for themselves in the automotive industry.

“The feedback from the colleges we’ve worked with has been really good – they’re all enjoying being part of the scheme and working with us, and they have commented on our superior support for our apprentices.

“We don’t just employ an apprentice, leave them in a centre and hope for the best – we ensure they are fully supported, both personally and professionally, for the entirety of the apprenticeship.”

Protyre Autocare invites applications to its apprenticeship scheme and also works with colleges to find their ‘rising stars’, who are offered a two-day work trial in a local Protyre Autocare branch with a view to joining the scheme.

Learners who are enrolled on Protyre Autocare’s apprenticeship scheme have their driving test funded by the company and are presented with a fully kitted-out toolbox worth £1,000 once they pass their probation period.

Apprentice Jack, who lives in Exeter, is supported at Taunton by centre manager Dave Livesey, who is a qualified master technician and is perfectly placed to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of technicians.

He said: “Five or six months ago, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do, but I joined the Protyre Autocare apprenticeship scheme and everything has gone so well.

“It’s a great way forward for me. Having a hands-on approach is the way I learn best, and I’m surrounded by like-minded people here. I think you pick things up more when you enjoy doing them, and I’m really enjoying the work.

“It’s a great working environment, I’m working with good people and it’s really helping me get to grips with everything.”

For more information about the Protyre Autocare apprenticeship scheme, visit www.protyre.co.uk/vacancies/protyre-apprenticeship-scheme.