Understanding the industry challenge
The automotive industry is experiencing a significant skills gap. With fewer young people entering the trade and evolving vehicle technologies demanding new competencies, high quality training has become essential. Apprenticeships offer a practical solution by enabling new entrants to gain hands on experience while working towards recognised qualifications.
Both the RAC and NLG highlight the importance of robust, industry‑standard training. For Tony Cullum, Head of RAC Academy, a strong apprenticeship is not just beneficial but essential for the future of the motor industry. ‘We are seeing a huge shortfall in talent coming into the motor trade, and we need to change, change what we are doing. We need to attract more people into the motor trade by offering a really good thorough apprenticeship that offers people jobs at the end of it.’
A partnership built for quality
RAC: investing in the next generation
The RAC has built its apprenticeship model around real operational needs, with a strong focus on long-term investment in talent. As Tony explains: ‘Apprentices are hugely important to the skills gap we’re facing now.’ He also emphasises the wider ambition: ‘Having a high-quality apprenticeship is key to the motor industry in the future.’
Apprentices train primarily to become full patrol technicians, working alongside experienced mentors and handling genuine roadside scenarios. The programme combines hands-on experience with structured college learning, giving apprentices both practical expertise and recognised qualifications as part of a clear pathway into a long-term career.
North London Garages: specialist provider expertise
North London Garages is firmly rooted in specialist automotive training. As Development Director Mark Davidson explains, ‘We have our own college programme that is tailored with the RAC, so we look at what type of units are inside the Autocare Technician apprenticeship,’ creating bespoke workbooks and ensuring apprentices build all the skills needed to succeed on the road.
City & Guilds: trusted awarding body
The partnership is grounded in City & Guilds respected qualification framework. For employers, the City & Guilds badge gives confidence that apprentices meet recognised industry standards. For learners, it offers a certification that is valued across the sector and globally. ‘We chose to work with City & Guilds because they’re such a well-known brand,’ Tony explains. 'Having RAC and City & Guilds working together shows the quality we’re looking for.’
He adds, ‘You look at the history of City & Guilds if they’re sharing their knowledge with us, it will only help us get better apprentices at the end.’
What the apprenticeship involves
The RAC and North London Garages deliver the Autocare Technician Apprenticeship, a 30-month programme combining on the job learning with structured training.
Skills covered include:
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Service and maintenance
- Braking and cooling systems
- Vehicle recovery processes and equipment
- Customer service and professional conduct
Learners attend provider training with NLG and build competence through roadside experience with RAC patrol mentors. Evidence is captured through an online portfolio, ensuring all tasks are logged and assessed.
City & Guilds oversees the assessment and certification process, ensuring every apprentice meets the requirements of the standard and completes with a recognised qualification.
The positive impact on apprentices
The impact on learners is clear in their own words.
Apprentice Kessia explains how the apprenticeship connects classroom learning with real world challenges. ‘I’ve gone out to multiple jobs where I thought to myself, I’ve just learned that in college, I can apply my knowledge to this job to help me get through it.’
For apprentice Eryc, the experience has been transformative. ‘It’s definitely changed my view on the industry with this apprenticeship.’ He also speaks proudly about the qualification: ‘If you can study for that and show you’re capable of learning these skills, it should be a really proud moment for yourself.’
Both apprentices share a belief in the programme’s ability to open doors and build future careers.
Delivering strong results
The apprenticeship partnership between the RAC, North London Garages and City & Guilds is already delivering clear, measurable success, reflected in both performance outcomes and learner progression.
- A very high pass rate across the RAC apprenticeship cohort
- Close to 100 percent progression into full time patrol roles
- Steady annual growth, with around 60 apprentices expected with the RAC by the end of the year
- Positive learner feedback and increased confidence among apprentices as they transition into their careers
Graduation ceremonies hosted at RAC headquarters celebrate each apprentice’s achievement. Tony describes the pride in seeing learners arrive quiet and unsure, then leave as confident, fully qualified patrols.
Mark highlights the impact of the event itself: ‘Seeing an apprentice graduate is fantastic. We go up to the RAC’s head office and really celebrate what they’ve achieved over the last couple of years.’ He adds that watching them reach this point ‘really makes you proud’ – a reflection of both their personal growth and the strength of the programme.
Why City & Guilds?
City & Guilds brings:
- Industry relevant apprenticeship standards
- Robust assessment frameworks
- Strong employer trust and global recognition
- Decades of experience supporting successful apprenticeship delivery
For both the RAC and NLG, City & Guilds provides the confidence that every apprentice completes to the highest possible standard. As Tony says, “When people talk about apprentices, one of the first things they mention is a City & Guilds apprenticeship.”