RS Connect, an installer of telematics in private and commercial vehicles, has welcomed a new intake of apprentices to its 40,000 sq ft training academy.

The company will support 14 apprentices on-site as well as another six off-site working with IMI Awards, the retail motor industry’s body for automotive qualifications and accreditations.

While they undergo training at RS Connect, apprentices will study qualifications including customer service level 2, business administration levels 2 and 3 and auto and mobile electrical Installation levels 2 and 3.

Over the past 18 months, RS Academy has successfully trained six assessors and two internal verifiers while progressing 32 auto electrical, seven customer service and four business administration apprentices.

Initially running apprenticeships for employees, the academy now services the training needs for other employers.

Lea Hodson, managing director of RS Connect, said: “Apprenticeships provide benefits to both the student and the employer, and we continue to see fantastic levels of enthusiasm each year for the programmes we run. We are very pleased to welcome our 2016 cohort.

“Since broadening the reach of the Academy to all employers, we are helping more young people to learn practical skills which will build their career prospects.”

The Academy brings together leading trainers and consultants within the automotive industry to meet the future development needs of the automotive and logistics industries.

All training is delivered by an in-house team of qualified assessors and tutors. The Academy also delivers functional skills in Maths, English and ICT at levels 1 and 2 alongside industry specific programmes.

The Academy is funded by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, via the Skills Funding Agency. It offers training rooms, testing facilities and study areas.

It also features six workshop areas for practical training applications.