Young people seeking a career as a motor mechanic are being offered the chance of an apprenticeship.

Sparshatt Truck and Van is seeking applications for apprenticeship places in Dartford, Sittingbourne, Ashford and Tonbridge.

The three-year apprenticeship scheme leads to a Level 3 qualification in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance, awarded by the Institute of the Motor Industry. After the third year, successful apprentices are trained to use their new skills in the workplace during an “improver year.”

Launching the scheme in 2020, the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership said it hoped to encourage more young people into the industry to bridge the gap between the number of skilled technicians available and the number of job vacancies.

The training consists of four days in the workshop and one day in the classroom.

Apprentices work alongside a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician to learn to use the latest automotive technology with up-to-date tools and equipment. They will also be able to benefit from interest-free loans to help fund tools and toolboxes, as well as healthcare cashback and access to well-being support via Simply Health.

Other benefits include access to bonuses and cycle-to-work schemes.

Callum Brown, 21, graduated from the Sparshatt training academy this year and is now a qualified Heavy Vehicle Technician at the dealership’s Sittingbourne garage. He said: “I completed my work experience at Sparshatt when I was at school, and I knew that once I had left, I wanted to be a mechanic.

“The training academy was great, I loved going to college every week and learning new things, working with new people, and gaining information that I would need for my apprenticeship from experienced trainers.”

Mr Brown, from the Isle of Sheppey, hopes to stay at Sparshatt Truck and Van and work his way up.

He said: “The training academy is a great opportunity to gain experience and knowledge. Plus, you will come out with a great qualification at the end of it - I would recommend it to everyone!”

There are six apprenticeships to start in January: one in Tonbridge, one in Ashford, two in Dartford, and two in Sittingbourne.

Applications need to be submitted by the end of September. Selection will be in October and those successful will join the firm in November, to start their training officially in January.

The positions are open to anyone over 18 with a grade C (or new grade 4) or above in GCSE English and Maths.

Sparshatt Truck and Van Ltd is a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealership, employing over 230 people, that services and maintains Mercedes trucks and vans.