The Duke of Rothesay visits GTG Training

GTG Training– a top quality training and conference centre owned by Arnold Clark – was thrilled to welcome His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay today (24th June) to GTG Training in Glasgow. The Royal visitor was visiting young apprentices undertaking the Prince’s Trust Get into Cars programme.

His Royal Highness had the chance to meet many young people who have benefited from his youth charity– both previous graduates of the Get into Cars programme, and new starts, too. The young mechanics demonstrated a number of skills, including electrical engineering, tyre fitting and car maintenance, which they have learned as they take these all-important steps toward realising their potential in a training opportunity or new job.

Arnold Clark has been working with the Prince’s Trust since 2008. The programme focuses on the STEM sectors, helping young people get involved in areas of high demand, such as science, technology, maths and engineering. The programme has proven successful, and offered students life-changing opportunities, with 80% of students subsequently being offered a job at Arnold Clark.

One of these young people is Nicole, 19, from Bishopbriggs. As one of the programme’s female graduates she has stressed the importance of apprenticeships for young women in order to challenge the gender imbalance in STEM sectors.

Nicole said, ‘I originally studied hair and beauty because it seemed like that was the only option for girls. I have always been passionate about cars and jumped at the chance to take part in The Prince’s Trust Get into Car Mechanics course with Arnold Clark.

‘The best part about the course was proving that to myself and everybody who doubted me – girls can do it too, it is not just a male-dominated environment.

‘It couldn’t have come at a better time.

‘The Prince’s Trust has been amazing. I wake up before my alarm, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the job. It doesn’t even feel like work.’

Nicole has succeeded in securing a four-year apprenticeship with Arnold Clark, through GTG Training, and is optimistic for the future.

She added: ‘I have thought about starting my own business, an all-female garage. I might even consider management in the future. It’s a huge opportunity at Arnold Clark and an honour to work there.’

Allan Watt, director, Prince’s Trust Scotland said: ‘We are thrilled to have His Royal Highness here today to meet some of The Trust’s young people, who have faced huge barriers and worked hard to turn their lives around.

‘One in 4 young people in Glasgow are struggling to find a job, so that means working with employers like Arnold Clark is more important than ever to help tackle youth unemployment.’

Managing director of Arnold Clark, Eddie Hawthorne said:

‘Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust Scotland continues to go from strength to strength and we are proud to offer opportunities to young people that will help them realise their potential. We are delighted that HRH Prince Charles chose to visit our GTG Training centre in Glasgow and see first hand what our students and apprentices have learned through their hard work and continued effort.’

Arnold Clark’s purpose-built 10 million pound training centre, GTG Glasgow, hosts the Get into Cars programme. Through the programme, young people can receive their initial car mechanics training. The necessary skills needed to become a precise mechanic are covered, such as basic vehicle maintenance, tyre fitting, and valeting.