Farnell Guiseley Land Rover has welcomed its first degree-level apprentice.
Amber Ubhi, 20, is training as an undergraduate service advisor at Farnell Guiseley Land Rover, while working towards a BA in Business Leadership & Management degree, in partnership with Northumbria University.
Amber studied A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy and was inspired to apply for a role within the motor industry by a family friend, who works in the sector herself and introduced Amber to the apprenticeship programme.
The degree-level apprenticeship programme offers talented young people the chance to gain a degree while earning a salary of £18,000 holding a full-time permanent role within the business. Vertu Motors plc, the Group which owns Bristol Street Motors, will fund £27,000-worth of tuition fees over the three and a half year course and the course is one of the first motor retail industry’s degree-level apprenticeships.
This year, a group of 13 people are starting the apprenticeships, an increase from the 10 students who started last year, who are now commencing their second year. Like Amber, students will spend the majority of the course in roles at dealerships across the Vertu Motors group, with the prospect of future progression into managerial roles.
Amber said: “A close family friend works in the motor retail industry and has been very successful. She told me about the apprenticeship programme and I knew that it was for me and that I had to grab this opportunity.
“I think I’m quite academic, so the university side of the apprenticeship degree really appealed to me and I already feel part of the team at Farnell Guiseley Land Rover. When I finished my A-Levels, I didn’t think that I would end up in the motor trade, all I knew was that I wanted to work hard and be passionate about whatever I was doing. This programme is allowing me to do that. I have loved everything so far and feel very excited about my future.”
Robert Forrester, chief executive officer of Vertu Motors plc, said: “The degree-level apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain a respected degree, debt-free in a dynamic industry. The programme was hugely successful last year and we are thrilled to welcome our new intake.
“We are always keen to take on talented, enthusiastic people who fit with our values and our degree-level apprenticeship is not just something for school-leavers to consider. This year we have welcomed a strong mix of men and women of different ages, from a variety of backgrounds. I am excited to see how their careers progress over the next couple of years.”
