RAC celebrates first apprenticeship graduation

The RAC has welcomed eight new members into its patrol team after they completed their 30-month apprenticeship.

The apprentices graduated from the RAC Academy at a ceremony in Walsall.

The RAC relaunched its apprenticeship scheme in November 2021 to address a skills shortage expected to reach 160,000 by 2031.

It is run in partnership with a number of colleges and includes on-the-job training and support from dedicated RAC mentors.

The first eight graduates, who completed their Level 2 Vehicle and Maintenance Repair apprenticeships, are Tyreiss Burton, Kiesha Corbin, Jamie Riaz, Praneeth Rajapakse, James Barrall, Zaahir Patel, Haseeb Patel and Ronaldo Powlette.

Meanwhile, a further 82 young people are currently completing their apprenticeships with RAC.

RAC Academy manager Tony Cullum said: “Since starting their courses in November 2021, the commitment and ambition from all eight apprentices has been outstanding, perfectly demonstrating the high level of service we commit to providing for our members.

“As long as there are cars on the road there’ll be a need for roadside technicians, so we want to help as many people as possible find their keys to success.”