The new programme has been signed with the Carter & Carter Apprentice Learning division and will see the provision of training in a new apprenticeship programme. Unlike the previous more traditional training methods, this apprenticeship will be delivered entirely through distance learning, thus providing a more flexible and adaptive format for training.

Keeping Staff On Track

The provision of up to date and easily accessible training for staff has become one of the primary concerns of businesses and employers. The provision of the distance learning apprenticeship "“ which will be delivered from what is called a "mobile unit" "“ will hopefully serve to both provide the training staff require at the same time as minimizing staff absences from work for training. This absence can often be detrimental to the short term success of a company, regardless of the long term benefits of training.

The teaching will be offered to staff at the more than 300 dealerships that Piaggio currently operates in the UK. Piaggio provides popular brand names such as Vespa, Aprilla, Moto Guzzi, Derbi and Gilera, which have become easily recognised occupants of roadways throughout the world. The training unit will provide a PC and an area for providing theoretical training. There will also be an area set aside for practical learning.

High Standards Assured?

The provision of training, as important as it is, must be accomplished within the framework of economic and financial competitiveness. The Operations Manager at Carter & Carter Group, Steve Yardley, spoke about the issues facing employers when providing training for their workers. Mr. Yardley commented: "Many dealerships either can not spare employees for long periods of time or can not afford to send them on training programmes.

"This apprenticeship is both cost effective and convenient for employers and apprentices as it eliminates the need for travelling to and from training centres and spending large blocks of time away from the work place," he continued. "We currently have 20 students on the programme and hope the new method will attract an additional 40 for our next intake."

The Training Manager at Piaggio, Adam Roylance, was delighted at the signing of the contract, and said: "We are very excited about this new apprenticeship scheme. It will allow dealers of all sizes and shapes to take on young people who want a career in the two wheel industry and ensure high standards of both training and guidance whilst causing minimum disruption to their business, both in terms of cost and time."

Jethro Marsh

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