D&G Autocare’s apprentices have grown in number to seven with several new teenagers recently joining the firm.

Five mechanic apprentices are currently training at garages in Fife, Livingston and Perth, including 18 year-old Michael Kerr, from Kelty, who is in the first year of his apprenticeship. Two Administration apprentices are currently based at D&G’s new office Headquarters at Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy.

The garage group has been operating its apprentice scheme for the past three and a half years and has recently extended it to cover office administration roles too.

Said George Simpson, D&G Autocare co-owner, “We are delighted to now have seven apprentices in various roles across the group, and not just mechanic apprentices.

“We are a growing firm and as we grow we have more need for administration roles, especially as we have recently moved to new Headquarters here in Kirkcaldy.” “We really value our apprentice scheme as we are attracting youngsters into the industry and training them to our standards which will hopefully ensure that they stay with the firm long term. We enjoy a very low staff turnover here at D&G with our customers seeing the same friendly faces time and time again.” Said Michael, who is a keen boxer in his spare time, “To have a proper apprenticeship in an industry I love is a dream come true as I have always wanted to work with cars.

“The practical side is great and I am enjoying the theory side too as I attend college one day a week.

“The theory side is invaluable really as you learn so much on that college day and then you can put it into practise when you get back into the garage.” Said Manager of the Inverkeithing garage Chris McBrearty, “We believe it is a company strength to retain staff and we know that our customers and suppliers build up relationships with them. Michael has bedded in well, is working hard and seems to be really enjoying training with us.”