Coach company expands apprenticeship scheme

The Fareham firm is expanding its apprenticeship programme this academic year, taking on three new apprentices and developing a new driver apprentice scheme.

The scheme would see youngsters ‘earn while they learn’, holding a full-time role while getting additional training towards a recognised qualification at college.

The programme would also see Lucketts pay for the apprentices to take their driving test and PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence, a cost that many young people struggle to fund themselves.

Lucketts, which employs 320 people, has taken on two new apprentices this year.

Peter Snaith, 17, and Brandon Thorpe, 18, joined as apprentice technicians and will learn how to repair and maintain everything from engines to toilets and coffee machines during their two-year programme.

The pair will be mentored by engineering director Mark Jordan, who started as an apprentice in 1988.

He said: ‘Apprenticeships are good because they’re so varied.

‘Seeing young people come into this industry and develop not just as technicians but also as people is so rewarding.’

Lucketts is looking for a new HR apprentice to take the reins from Emily Shaw, who has been given a full-time role after completing her apprenticeship

Joint managing director Ian Luckett said: ‘Developing the next generation of engineers, drivers and office staff is important to us as we look ahead to our next 90 years in business.’

To find out more go to lucketts.co.uk