Appleyard apprentices flourish

From the archive, first published Wednesday 18th Apr 2007.

Apprenticeship schemes are flourishing at a Keighley company.

Two Colin Appleyard employees, Daniel Entwistle and Alex Smith, have recently completed the Suzuki advanced apprenticeship programme and two more - Adam Evans and Stephen Harrison - are expected to graduate this year.

Meanwhile seven others across the company's two motorcycle and three car dealerships have begun, or are about to start, on parts or mechanics schemes.

Managing director Robin Appleyard said: "The apprenticeship scheme is an integral part of our after sales customer care programme and at the same time helps to provide an important first step on what, we hope, will be a successful career path."

One apprentice mechanic who has taken full advantage of further training is Simon McGann, who graduated last year. He has gone on to achieve accredited and then senior technician status. He is now one of the company's top technicians.