How Auto Windscreens is setting the industry standard for delivering apprenticeships

Apprenticeship opportunities at company setting the industry standard. Submitted picture

When a new apprentice joins the team at leading UK vehicle glass repair and replacement provider Auto Windscreens, it’s possible their manager also started their career as a trainee themselves and worked their way up through the business.

The company was the first in the industry to offer training via a bespoke academy back in 1990 and holds a strong belief in its growth as a business by investing in quality training. Since the 2017/18 intake, Auto Windscreens has welcomed as many as 194 apprentices, and this year, eight technicians were the first in the UK to complete the new Level 3 Automotive Glazing Technician apprenticeship, with two achieving a distinction.

Managing Director James MacBeth, who started his career with Auto Windscreens as a trainee technician just over 30 years ago, explains: “It’s so important we support and guide the next generation of talent through their career with us, many of them come straight from school and it’s their first job.

From customer service and business administration to mechanics, the range of apprenticeships is wider than you’d think. Submitted pictureO

“A technician’s and contact centre agent’s role are very reliant on technology now, and the valuable skills they’re learning and their experience will help grow our business now and in the future.”

Auto Windscreens’ training is delivered by its Talent Development Team, and Apprenticeship Programme Manager Ewan Freeman says: “Our apprenticeships bring fresh talent to the business, as well as providing amazing opportunities for up to 50 new apprentices each year.”

The company’s tailored apprenticeship programme is focused on providing the exceptional service levels the company is known for – it achieved a 93.1 Customer Satisfaction Business Benchmarking score in a recent independent survey of its customers by the Institute of Customer Service and has an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.

Opportunities for new recruits

Nearly 200 trainees have undertaken apprenticeships with Auto Windscreens since 2017. Submitted picture

There are a wealth of opportunities for school and college leavers, as well as graduates and those looking for a career change. There is also a far larger range of apprenticeships than you may have expected.

From Level 2 Customer Service and Level 3 Business Administration to Level 3 Mechanic, Auto Windscreens apprenticeships offer the opportunity to increase their knowledge, skills and work experience.

As vehicle technology advances, so do the skills needed to keep up. Not only do the team at Auto Windscreens need to be experts in repairing and fitting glass but also in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibrations, since cameras and sensors are generally mounted on the windscreen.

Auto Windscreens works closely with schools, colleges and councils to find the best new recruits to help continue to provide a top-class, convenient service for customers through its 24/7 contact centre, online booking process and fleet.

Auto Windscreens operates from 72 different sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and James believes in the personal touch, meeting every new trainee who joins the business.

Cementing its commitment to apprenticeships and the local area, Auto Windscreens is backing the 2023 apprenticeship awards by sponsoring the Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year category.

Apprenticeships with no entry requirements

Trainees can begin their career with Auto Windscreens from the age of 16, and there are no set qualifications required. The company is already looking for the 2023-24 intake of apprentices, with the programme starting in September.

To find out more about apprenticeships, career opportunities and current jobs on offer at Auto Windscreens, visit www.autowindscreens.co.uk/careers