Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, has introduced its first apprenticeship programme in Northern Ireland in two decades, opening a bespoke training facility at the new Mallusk centre.

Nine apprentices have started the two-year programme, combining classroom instruction, technical courses, e-learning, and hands-on experience across Kwik Fit locations from Coleraine to Portadown.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Rutledge Recruitment and Training, creates pathways into both advanced technical and managerial careers, reinforcing Kwik Fit’s commitment to nurturing local talent and industry-ready professionals.

Ben Steele, 17, from Coleraine, one of the new apprentices, commented on his early experience: “It’s still very early days on the course but I’ve already learnt lots of new skills and I’m really enjoying being part of the team. I’ve always had a passion for cars and I was delighted to be offered a place on the programme, I think it will give me a great foundation for a long career.”

Neil Kirkpatrick, regional manager for Kwik Fit in Northern Ireland, described the Mallusk centre as the “perfect location” for the training facility, which took two years to plan. He added: “It’s obviously good for business to bring new recruits into the company, but it is also a measure of our confidence in the local talent. We look forward to seeing our apprentices develop and to welcoming many more people on to our programme.”

Kwik Fit’s apprenticeship programmes have already supported over 4,000 automotive careers, with many participants advancing to senior roles within the sector. The new Northern Irish programme underscores the company’s focus on skills development, long-term workforce planning, and the professionalisation of the automotive services industry.

Learn more about Kwik Fit’s apprenticeship programme and how it is driving talent development in Northern Ireland in the complete story.