UK Government encourages Motor Trade apprentices

The new coalition Government is keen to see an increased uptake in apprenticeships for young people within the Motor Trade. Vince Cable spoke on the issue recently and the government are targeting an additional 100,000 apprentices in UK businesses by 2014.

Industry figures for the Motor Trade, recorded in excess of 11,000 apprenticeships during the past year. The trend towards apprenticeships and the government incentives offered are good news, for employers and potential employees at a time when youth unemployment is exceptionally high.

Training and career opportunities are available for many Motor Trader occupations. Many companies are taking on young people in this sector, with Jaguar / Land Rover being one of the largest, the company are creating 1,200 new apprentice places.

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Motor Trade facing tough challenges in 2011

Figures for January 2011, indicate a tough trading climate for the Motor Trade during the coming year. The SMMT statistics recorded a fall of 11.5% in new car sales. Increasing unemployment, lack of available finance and increases in VAT and fuel prices are all effecting consumer confidence and personal budgets.

Motor Traders and manufacturers are providing incentives to buyers to help revive flagging sales. However most consumers are taking a cautious approach with job security proving a factor with large numbers of public and private sector workers.

Many Car Dealers are focusing their stock on smaller more efficient cars, to help with rising fuel costs, with prices currently at a record high. The early indicators for this year are that their is a marked downsizing in cars and engine size. Electric cars are also becoming more attractive to buyers as the costs of petrol and diesel continue to increase. However the range of the current crop of electric cars and the number of public charging points needs to increase before this becomes a viable alternative for most road users.

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