Lookers invests in its young colleagues by partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Lookers has strengthened its commitment to developing young talent by becoming a Silver partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

The new charity partnership is yet another investment by Lookers in the future of its skilled workforce and will complement its increased intake of apprentices over 2017.

The new charity partnership will see many of the apprentices at Lookers under the age of 25 given the opportunity to do their Gold DofE, as part of an 18 month programme.

To achieve their Gold Award, apprentices will complete all of the DofE sections, including Skills, Volunteering, Physical, Expedition and Residential, with a focus on developing valuable skills for business such as team working, commitment and determination, communication and a positive approach to work.

By becoming a key partner of the DofE, Lookers is helping the charity towards its aim of having 350,000 young people start the DofE each year by 2021, 70,000 of those being from a disadvantaged background.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been helping to build core skills among young people for over 60 years and has been expanded to 14 countries and territories in that time.

Famously founded by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, the DofE recognises personal achievement and has proven to be a valuable asset for young people starting out on their career journeys.

While on-the-job training features highly in Lookers recruitment strategy, the group also believes that life skills, such as those developed when doing a DofE programme, are just as important and hopes that the new partnership will benefit everyone from apprentice technicians right through to trainee sales representatives.

Andy Bruce, Chief Executive of Lookers, said: “We are delighted to be a key partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and see it as an important part of our recruitment plans. We believe all young people deserve the chance to build the skills they need to fulfil their potential and are keen to encourage them to apply these skills in an exciting sector like the motor industry. The DofE exists to make this possible by offering 14 to 24 year olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to start their own unforgettable and life changing award. The DofE Award is for young people, but it stays with them for life.”

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the DofE said: “We are trying to reach out and help as many young people as possible. We know that employers value an employee’s attitude just as much as academic qualifications, and that's where we come in. Employers tell us they are actively looking for DofE Award holders at interview. For young people wanting to get a job, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can make a real difference. The DofE transforms lives and we are delighted to have the support of Lookers to help give more young people a better chance to lead a more productive and fulfilled adult life.”