Skillnet wins contract to run Ford apprenticeship scheme

The Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme (FMAP) has more than 1,000 apprentices who have signed up for the three-year course, which combines on-the-job training, provided by dealerships across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, with local and residential college tuition. Skillnet is responsible for the management and delivery of training programmes for the full range of automotive mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines, including light and heavy vehicle repair, fast fit, vehicle body repair, vehicle refinishing and body fitting. It also offers training in sales, customer service, administration and business management. The key audience for the programme is 16 – 20 year olds. Mike Willis, Principal of the Ford College, said: “The supply of the right number of potential apprentices, in the right locations is central to the success of the programme and Skillnet will provide a depth of experience that will ensure the programme leads the way in the automotive industry. To improve the quality of the programme a Service Level Agreement has been drawn up by Ford on behalf of the dealer network which defines the services and performance standards to be provided to Ford, its dealers and apprentices. Skillnet’s performance against this agreement will be reported and reviewed on a monthly based.”