F&I Management & Training

The training arm of Arnold Clark has become embroiled in a row over education in Scotland.

GTG Training, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arnold Clark, the third largest dealer group in the UK, told MSPs that 81 per cent of applicants for its apprenticeship scheme were unemployable.

It came to the view that 1,850 of the 2,280 youngsters who applied to be an apprentice with the company were judged to be “not employable at all”.

Students hit back at the claims in a report in the Scottish Daily Record, saying  they were "ridiculous".

Many displayed shock at the length of the working day because they were used much shorter working weeks in the classroom or at college.

In a written statement to MSP, GTG said: "It is desperately sad and thoroughly disheartening to hear professional recruiters with 20 plus years experience of employing school leavers describe young Scots as, ‘unsuitable for any employment.’ Yet, that was the case for 81% of our applicants.

"We really do believe that more can be achieved for the unsaved majority with intelligent and innovative interventions provided there is the political will to effect change.”

GTG said the single biggest issue causing difficulties for school leavers going into employment was working hours.

DATED: 23.05.12

FEED: MT