APPRENTICES TAKE FIRST STEP ON CAREER LADDER

Two young car enthusiasts from Surrey have embarked on a three-year apprenticeship with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Eighteen-year-old Tom Pentecost has been accepted by Volkswagen retailer Colbornes to be the latest recruit on the technician apprenticeship scheme.

He is joined at Colbornes in Guildford by James Moreton who will be the retailer’s first parts apprentice.

Over the next three years Colbornes will invest nearly £60,000 to train Tom through to technician status and James to a fully qualified partsman.

Tom, who has joined from Winston Churchill School, is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working on Volkswagen vehicles.

He said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is the only job I have ever wanted to do. I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.

“I am over the moon to I be given this opportunity and very grateful to Colbornes Volkswagen for giving me this chance.”

James said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and establishing a career within the automotive industry.

“The parts team have been brilliant and I want to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”

Colbornes’ brand manager, John Walsh, said: “Tom’s passion for cars was one of the main reasons why he’s been given this place on the apprenticeship programme.

“I’m confident he will come through the three years with flying colours.

“The addition of James will strengthen the parts team and help the qualified and knowledgeable team we have here at Colbornes.”