GTG Hosts Annual Graduation Ceremony

Scotland’s largest training group, GTG Training, honoured a record 315 graduates at the annual GTG graduation event this week, which included 286 Modern Apprenticeships.

The evening saw the graduates being awarded with an array of qualifications from a diverse range of departments including Motor Vehicles, Business Studies, Logistics and Management. The awards included Modern Apprenticeships in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, as well as certificates in Customer Service and Business and Administration, which reflects the scope and value of training provided by GTG.

This year also saw the graduation of Ryan McKie, who says he felt ‘totally worthless’ before becoming an apprentice through the ‘Get into Cars’ programme, an initiative run by Arnold Clark and the Prince’s Trust Scotland which he credits with turning his life around. “If it wasn’t for the Prince’s Trust Scotland and Arnold Clark I wouldn’t have been given a second look. I was too old and had no qualifications – I now have an apprenticeship! This is because The Prince’s Trust’s ‘Get into Cars’ programme gave me an opportunity and a chance to shine and prove myself. ‘Get into Cars’ gave me access to quality training at GTG with a massive employer Arnold Clark.”

Having established its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading training centres, GTG now sees an astonishing total of 18,000 trainees attend courses here in Glasgow and in Edinburgh every year, approximately 1,000 of those trainees belonging to a Modern Apprenticeship programme.

Chief Executive of GTG, David Scott said, “The apprenticeship scheme wouldn’t be possible without the support of two very important bodies - Skills Development Scotland funds a majority of the apprenticeships and the employer, such as Arnold Clark. Their combined dedication is making a huge difference to the lives and futures of our students. I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere congratulations once again to all our graduates, and remind them of just how proud their families, friends, trainers and all the staff here at GTG are of their outstanding achievements.”

Sir Arnold Clark commented, “GTG offers the trainee skills in a range of areas from car mechanics to administration and customer service. I am delighted for all the graduates and wish them every success in their chosen careers.”

Guest speakers Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey from Real Radio Scotland’s popular breakfast show, kept the students and their families entertained with an audience participation music quiz and described their own career paths into radio. The pair also praised the hard work of the graduates and urged them to follow their dreams.

The awards ceremony allowed awardees to celebrate and receive recognition for their achievement together with staff, family and friends who have supported them throughout their training. Guests enjoyed entertainment from a Jazz band and complimentary wine and canapés.