Fix Auto UK Set to Welcome Record-Breaking 52 Apprentices Across the Group

Fix Auto UK has announced its ‘Class of 2025’ – The Group’s latest apprenticeship programme that has attracted more than 50 talented individuals to the industry.

Delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Central, the latest recruits will join the 200 apprentices who are already enjoying successful early careers across the organisation’s repairers. This year’s intake marks the largest single recruitment in the organisation’s 20 year history and reinforces its long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of talent within the vehicle repair sector.

The success has been achieved after partnering with Apprenticeship Central who have sourced candidates on behalf of 29 Franchise Partners encompassing roles for paint and panel technicians, vehicle damage assessors, customer service and administration.

Among the standout successes in this intake is Fix Auto Loughborough, which has recruited six apprentices: two receptionists, two MET technicians, a VDA, and a panel technician. The scale of this investment reflects both the opportunities available within the network and the site’s dedication to nurturing new talent.

All the apprentices will be supported throughout their journey by  Apprenticeship Central  in close partnership with the respective individual business owners. While many have already started their training, the full cohort will be officially welcomed at an on-boarding day hosted at 3M’s UK head office in Bracknell on 9th October, where they will be introduced to the wider Fix Auto UK family.

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for the Advantage Group of Companies of which Fix Auto UK sits within, said: “We are extremely proud to welcome this record number of apprentices into the Fix Auto UK family. Continued investment in early careers is absolutely essential to the long-term health of our industry. With the IMI reporting 20,000 current vacancies and a further 140,000 skilled professionals expected to retire by 2032, we must attract, inspire, and retain young talent. Apprenticeships provide a clear pathway for the next generation to build rewarding careers, while helping safeguard the future of our sector.

This success would not have been possible without the outstanding dedication of the Apprenticeship Central team, who have worked tirelessly to deliver such a strong recruitment campaign, and the unwavering support of our Franchise Partners who have embraced the programme. I also want to recognise my own team here at Fix Auto UK, whose passion and hard work in developing this initiative has been critical in turning our vision into reality. These are not just apprentices we hope they are our future bodyshop managers, Fix Auto UK leaders and who knows maybe there are some future franchisees in this cohort too.”

Eleanor Baker-Barnes, Commercial Director for Apprenticeship Central, added: “The Fix Auto UK cohort has been created to give repairers across The Group a tailored solution that actually meets their apprenticeship needs and it’s fantastic to see commitment from over 25 sites. The calibre of apprentices is proving to be extremely high, and we’re excited to follow their journeys. While it’s often said attracting the younger generation into the industry is a challenge, this programme proves it is possible and it’s great to see Fix Auto UK and its Franchise Partners leading the way with real action.”