Apprenticeships
At Blackshaws we have a well established Apprenticeship programme which has been running for over 30 years. In fact, more than a third of our employees started their career at Blackshaws in an Apprenticeship role. As a family-owned company we value the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring into our business. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our Apprentices grow in confidence and flourish within the company as they study for industry recognised qualifications while at the same time gaining practical work experience.
Most years we have at least one Apprenticeship vacancy at Blackshaws and this could be in any of the following departments - Car Sales, Workshop, Bodyshop, Parts, Service Reception or Accounts. In some years we recruit several Apprentices across several different departments depending on the needs of the business.
At present we are not actively recruiting for any Apprenticeship vacancies, but we regularly update our information so please revisit this page over the coming months.
If you would like to find out more about each Apprenticeship role when they become available please read the information below. You can also view the video which explains more about Blackshaws' Apprenticeship Programme including short interviews with several of the Apprentices who work at Blackshaws.
Apprentice Technician - no current vacancies.
Duration : 3 years
Responsibilities and Training: Apprentice Technicians are enrolled on a 3 year Vehicle Manufacturer Apprenticeship Programme and training involves structured block release at a Manufacturer Training Centre equipped with all the latest diagnostic equipment, tools and apparatus to simulate a real working environment. All training runs alongside practical work experience within Blackshaws workshop where Apprentices will be under the guidance of a Senior Technician who will act as a mentor. At the end of the 3 year period it is expected that full Technician accreditation will be achieved equivalent to NVQ Level 3 in Maintenance and Repair of Light Vehicles. An excellent opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Vehicle Technician within the motor industry. In addition to a structured programme of learning within a team environment, the programme is also designed to improve communication skills and enhance personal development.
Applicants should have 5 GCSEs at grades 5 to 9 including Maths and English.
Bodyshop Apprentice - no current vacancies.
Duration: 2 years
Responsibilities and Training: Bodyshop Apprentices are enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship Programme in Accident Repair Body Competence. Training involves structured day or block release at an approved learning provider combined with practical work experience within Blackshaws busy Bodyshop learning how to repair structural and paint damage to vehicles. During this training period Bodyshop Apprentices will be under the guidance of one of Blackshaws Senior Bodyshop Technicians who will act as a mentor. At the end of the Apprenticeship it is expected that full accreditation will be achieved as an Accident Repair Technician (NVQ Level 3). An excellent opportunity for any school leaver who is interested in pursuing a career as a Vehicle Bodyshop Technician within the motor industry. In addition to a structured programme of learning within a team environment, the programme is also designed to improve communication skills and enhance personal development.
Applicants should have 5 GCSEs at grades 5 to 9 including Match and English.
Parts Apprentice - no current vacancies.
Duration : 18 months
Responsibilities: to assist Blackshaws Parts Manager and Parts Assistant with general departmental administration relating to the ordering, maintenance and distribution of vehicle parts stock. A busy role which will include liaison with Technicians, answering and handling telephone queries and greeting customers at Blackshaws Parts desk.
Training: in addition to practical work experience and training successful candidates are enrolled on a work based 18-month Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship course.
Requirements: for this role we look for an articulate young person with a courteous manner who can deal efficiently with both internal and external requests. A proactive, helpful attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team are important requirements along with extremely accurate administration skills, good attention to detail and an aptitude for learning how to use Blackshaws computerised data management system.
Service Reception Apprentice - no current vacancies.
Duration : 18 months
Responsibilities: to assist Blackshaws Service Advisors in the preparation of job sheets, service plan quotations, courtesy car handovers and general departmental administration and customer care duties. A busy role which will include telephone cover, service booking and greeting customers at the Service Reception desk.
Training: in addition to practical work experience and training, the role requires completion of a work based 18-month Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship course.
Requirements: for this role we look for a polite and articulate person with a warm and friendly manner who is comfortable speaking to Blackshaws customers both in person and on the phone. A proactive, helpful attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team are important requirements along with accurate administration skills, strong attention to detail and an aptitude for learning how to use Blackshaws computerised data management system.
Sales Apprentice - no current vacancies.
Duration : 18 months
Responsibilities: to assist Blackshaws Used Car Manager and Sales Executives with general department administration including car handover duties, customer test drives, used vehicle photography, data upload to various web platforms, fulfilling brochure requests, maintaining point of sale on the used car forecourt plus meeting and greeting customers when Sales Executives are busy.
Training: in addition to practical work experience and training successful candidates are enrolled on a work based 18-month Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship course.
Requirements: for this role we look for a hardworking and polite young person with a warm and courteous manner who is comfortable communicating with Blackshaws customers and projecting a positive image of our family business. A proactive attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team are important requirements along with strong communication skills, numeracy, accurate administration, attention to detail and an aptitude for learning how to use online portals and Blackshaws computerised data management system.
Accounts Apprentice - no current vacancies.
Duration: 18 months
Responsibilities: to assist Blackshaws Accounts team with general office and accountancy administration. A busy role which includes data input, an assortment of clerical tasks, telephone cover and filing of documentation.
Training: in addition to practical work experience and training the role requires completion of a work based Accountancy Apprenticeship course.
Requirements: for this role we look for a numerate person with strong IT and organisational skills. A helpful attitude and the ability to work well as part of a team are important requirements along with very accurate administration skills, good attention to detail and an aptitude for learning how to use our computerised data management system.
If you would like to let us know that you would be interested in an Apprenticeship if a vacancy becomes available in the future please email your CV and a covering letter to the following managers at Blackshaws:
For Alnwick Workshop, Bodyshop, Parts and Service Reception Apprenticeship enquiries please email our Aftersales Manager [email protected]
For Morpeth Workshop Apprenticeship enquiries please email our Aftersales Leader [email protected] or Senior Technician [email protected]
For Sales Apprenticeship enquires please email our General Manager [email protected]
For Accounts Apprenticeship enquiries please email our Accountant [email protected]
