The first students to join the RAC’s new patrol academy met joint chair of the apprenticeship delivery board, David Meller, as part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week celebrations.

The six recruits, who began the two year apprenticeship programme in September, study one day a week at Barking & Dagenham College, combined with on-the-job training.

David Meller, who met and spoke with the apprentices at the college last Friday, said: “An apprenticeship can literally take you anywhere, as this excellent new programme proves.”

The apprentices, who are all aged 18 to 23, are based in the Greater London area.

An RAC spokesperson said the automotive services company has its sights set on extending the academy.

Yvonne Kelly, chief operating officer at Barking & Dagenham College added: “This area of east London is synonymous with
the automotive industry, so it seems fitting that the college is helping these young apprentices develop the high level
technical skills they need for a successful career with such a trusted UK motoring organisation.”

Pic: From left: David Meller with RAC apprentices – Adil Ubbin, aged 18, Sam Abbott, 18, Taylor Spicer, 19, Jo Gillam, 18, and Brandon Wagstaff, 19