Arnold Clark apprentices have stepped up to help out fellow young people by taking part in the Scottish Apprenticeship Challenge, set by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Developing the Young Workforce.
The group of seven apprentices chose to benefit Glasgow-based youth charity PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid) by refurbishing an old minibus using skills they have learned through their training.
The challenge was spread over ten weeks and the group met every Thursday to carry out vehicle body, paint and mechanical work on the bus and help design and install the external graphics. Instructors from GTG, Arnold Clark’s training division, mentored the team in order to give apprentices an opportunity to learn new skills and work on a project that will benefit their local community.
Yesterday the minibus was handed over to the charity and was well received by staff and volunteers. Melodie Crumlin, CEO of PEEK said: ‘PEEK are delighted to receive this minibus and are even more excited that young people from our city have contributed their skills and time to the project. At PEEK we believe that every young person has a talent to share. Having met the young apprentices, I have been impressed by their commitment, ideas and skills in ensuring the bus is fit for purpose.
‘PEEK has struggled over the last few years in gaining our own transport so this will make such a huge difference across the many communities PEEK serve. It will not only extend our reach but it will offer our children and young people the opportunity to experience new places. We can't thank Arnold Clark and the team of apprentices and their mentors enough!’
Apprentice Kelsey Pexton enjoyed the process and commented on being part of the challenge, ‘I really enjoyed the experience, as it was different to the usual working environment so it felt more relaxed and it was a lot of fun. I’ve learned a lot and the team have really been motivated by the fact that they are transforming the bus for such a good cause.’
The group of Arnold Clark apprentices is up against three other teams from Glasgow and they’ll find out if they won at the Inspiring City Awards on September 7th.