ENTHUSIASTIC apprentices have long been a part of the workforce at Cross Motor Engineering at Bidford, near Evesham, and since Luke Cross took over the family garage from his father Steve in 2004 he has continued the youth policy.

Mr Cross served as an apprentice himself and now wants to give young people the same chances and opportunities he had.

“It has been clear to me that after the initial training period, apprentices become a real asset to the business,” he said. “They soon develop into excellent young technicians.

“The apprentice benefits from a regular income, further education, excellent work and life experiences and a recognised qualification when they have finished their apprenticeship.

“To complement the college course I always look to support my apprentices with additional training, which has included diagnostic courses and air conditioning courses. This allows me to keep my apprentices up to date with the latest regulations and technology.”

Current apprentice Matthew Quinney from Bidford has shown a keen interest in vehicle tuning and because of this and the commitment shown by him, Cross Motor Engineering is investing in advanced engine tuning and control unit remapping equipment.

“This will allow us to offer for the first time re-mapping technology at Cross Motors,” Mr Cross said. “This will benefit our customers with increased fuel economy, lower emissions and an increase in power output.

“We will also be investing in a recovery vehicle. “This allows us to provide yet another service to our customers. This was an idea from the employees.”

A keen supporter of the Worcester News 100 in 100 apprentices initiative, Cross Motor Engineering is a member of the Good Garage Scheme and from customer feedback forms is running at more than 98 per cent customer satisfaction.

Mr Cross said: “I am in no doubt this success is down to our enthusiastic and committed work force, of which the apprentices are an important part. I am always keen to share the comments of customers with the staff and Matthew regularly gets a pat on the back for a job well done.”