School-leaver Robert lands a job at the Beach (From Swindon Advertiser)

School-leaver Robert lands a job at the Beach

4:10pm Thursday 27th July 2006 in Wiltshire Business News

Wroughton and Cirencester-based Suzuki dealer Pebley Beach has reaffirmed its commitment to training young people in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire by hiring a new apprentice straight from school.

Sixteen-year-old Robert Peart joined the firm at the beginning of July as a parts apprentice after sitting his GCSEs at Kingsdown School in Stratton St Margaret.

"I wanted to get into the motor industry but not as mechanic. I wouldn't mind being a professional footballer, but don't tell the boss," said Robert.

"However, apprenticeships are fairly rare in other aspects of the motor trade. When I approached Pebley they went through a structured apprenticeship plan with me and following the interview and various different form-fillings I'm now enrolled with Pebley's programme and start my block release in September."

And hopes are high for Robert last year his new workmates Johnathan Hedges, 20, from Swindon, won the UK Parts Apprentice of the Year Award, Year 2 and Luke Hartshorn, 18, from Swindon, won the Year One competition.

Meanwhile Aaron Smith, 19, from Swindon, gained a runner's up prize in the UK Apprentice Technician of the Year competition.

All Pebley Beach apprentices receive on-the-job training from Martyn Owen, who was named UK Technician of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and currently heads the South West region leader board in the 2006 competition.

Dominc Threlfall, Pebley Beach co-owner, said: "We have every reason to be proud of our employees. It's great to see that our apprentices are among the best in the UK and this should inspire our customers with confidence."

"We have high hopes for Robert and in welcoming him to the team we wish him every success in his training."