LKQ young talent programme aims to help tackle industry skills shortage
LKQ Euro Car Parts is helping independent garages in Ireland to recruit, train and retain the next generation of automotive talent, through the launch of a new initiative.
The LKQ Young Talent Programme, delivered in partnership with apprenticeship specialists Apprenticeship Central, aims to remove the barriers that often prevent workshops from taking on apprentices – from the administrative burden and difficulty finding suitable candidates to concerns around early drop-out.
The programme combines end-to-end apprentice recruitment from Apprenticeship Central with LKQ Academy-led professional development and engagement, including a dedicated pre-employment Summer Bootcamp designed to prepare apprentices for the realities of workshop life before they start.
Once the apprentice is in post, employers can also benefit from ongoing retention support, regular progress reviews and continued development through the LKQ Academy and Apprenticeship Central, as well as networking opportunities across the apprenticeship community.
Open to all automotive aftermarket businesses across the UK and Ireland, including non-LKQ customers, the initiative is designed to sit alongside formal apprenticeship training rather than replace it.
This allows employers to remain fully in control of who they employ and where apprentices are trained, while still benefiting from structured recruitment and onboarding.
Matt Robinson, B2B director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “It’s clear that the key challenge in delivering apprenticeship programmes is not a lack of willingness from employers, but concerns over their ability to manage the process alongside day-to-day operations.
“This programme tackles those issues head-on, ensuring apprentices are better prepared before day one and have the right support once they’re in the business – allowing both the technician and the apprentice to spend more time on the garage floor.”
The Young Talent Programme is now live, with recruitment opening immediately for the first cohort. Employers can register their interest by speaking to their LKQ account manager.