An apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for your child to build an exciting career within the Honda network and the automotive industry. They will be working alongside experienced staff, whilst earning a wage, to gain formal qualifications and industry specific skills and knowledge.

As a parent/guardian we understand that you want the very best for you child. If you feel you need more independent advice on apprenticeships then please feel free to contact the Department for Education on the link below:

https://www.hondaapprenticeships.co.uk/files/Parent-Guide-Apprenticeships.pdf

As a minimum your child will need three GCSEs at grade A* - C or grade 4 - 9 (or equivalent), live within a reasonable travelling distance to the vacancy (this is dependent on the location of the vacancy), be a resident in the United Kingdom and Islands, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right to work in the United Kingdom (evidence will be required) in order to apply.  Honda and its retailers are committed to equal opportunities and applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified people regardless of age, race or belief, gender, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.

At Honda we offer a range of different apprenticeship programmes and hope that one may appeal to your child, including in the following areas:

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• ATV
• Customer Service

The length of each programme depends upon the type of apprenticeship pathway your child has chosen ranging from 18 to 40 months.

As your child is employed by a Honda retailer from the start of their programme, they will earn a wage during their apprenticeship. Minimum rates of pay for Honda apprentices are set by the Honda Institute and it is the responsibility of the Honda retailer to ensure the apprentice is paid at least the minimum rate of pay.

Training costs, including hotel and travel for block training are all covered by the Honda retailer, at no cost to yourself or the apprentice.

Block training is the off the job training element of the programme. This takes place at the Honda Institute Centre of Excellence in blocks of one week, from two up to eight times per year. The number of weeks will depend on the programme the apprentice has enrolled on.

The key benefit of block training is that apprentices get a concentrated learning experience in the purpose built Honda Institute Centre of Excellence. This means that an apprentice will be able to perform many more tasks effectively on returning to the retailer. At the end of each block training week the apprentice will have a comprehensive module report, detailing the subjects covered, exam results where applicable and comments from the apprentice trainer regarding their progression through the programme.

It is the responsibility of the retailer to arrange transport to the Honda Institute for apprentices. This can be by car, bus, train or airplane depending upon the distance to be travelled.

Transport between the hotel and the Honda Institute Centre of Excellence is by mini bus and is arranged by the Honda Apprenticeship Programme.

Apprentices have two options during block training. They can either commute if they live within a reasonable distance to the Honda Institute Centre of Excellence or they can stay at a hotel near to the Honda Institute Centre of Excellence with their fellow apprentices. Hotel accommodation is arranged by the Honda Apprenticeship Programme in authorised hotels only.

Separate accommodation is made available for females and those with disabilities.

Special dietary requirements are not a problem during block training. Food can be provided to suit your requirements.

Arrival can either be on the Sunday evening prior to the Monday that the training starts or on the Monday morning, depending upon the distance needing to be travelled. Apprentices will return home on the following Friday afternoon.

Apprentices do not have to contribute towards their training costs as all costs are covered by Government funding, Honda retailers or Honda Motor Europe.

The Honda retailer also pays for the hotel, transport and associated costs whilst at block training.

All costs associated with block training including hotels and transport will be covered by the Honda retailer, at no cost to you or the apprentice.

There is a member of staff on duty at the hotel 24 hours a day to support with any problems. All apprentices have access to apprenticeship programme contact numbers who they can call at anytime in the event of an emergency.

At the start of the Honda Apprenticeship Programme, each apprentice is assigned a Honda Assessment & Employment Coach and a workplace mentor.

The Honda Assessment & Employment Coach will stay in regular contact with your child and their workplace mentor to ensure that learning aims are achieved on a timely basis and that they achieve their individual goals.

The Honda Assessment & Employment Coach and the apprentice trainer are always available to provide support and guidance whenever necessary.

For apprentices where additional support is required we provide pastoral support which will run in accordance to the individual needs of each apprentice.

Firstly, you should be very proud of your child as all their hard work and dedication has paid off and they are now fully qualified in their chosen career. All graduates will be invited to attend an apprentice graduation with fellow graduates, retailer representatives and parents/guardians in order to celebrate in their success. However, their career progression doesn’t stop here, as there are plenty of opportunities within the Honda network to progress and develop their career further. Opportunities include becoming a Repair Technician, Workshop Controller, Customer Technical Advisor or eventually a Service, Aftersales or Parts Manager.