LKQ partnership to boost auto sector recruitment

24 July 2025  

LKQ Euro Car Parts has partnered with apprentice recruitment and retention specialist Apprenticeship Central to boost interest in automotive careers and attract fresh talent to workshops.

Apprenticeship Central works directly with businesses across the UK to identify, place and retain high-calibre apprenticeship candidates.

The new partnership invites members of 1TEC Auto Hub, the LKQ-led garage network concept, to use Apprenticeship Central’s ‘Recruit’ programme, which offers recruitment support.

This includes connecting workshops with prospective candidates through schools and colleges, and promoting auto sector careers. Participating garages can also benefit from assistance in managing apprenticeship administration, government funding, liaison with training providers and college enrolment.

Available initially to 1TEC Auto Hub members, the programme will be rolled out more widely to LKQ Euro Car Parts customers in the coming months.

Matt Robinson, B2B director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “The skills shortage is widely cited as one of the biggest challenges facing the independent aftermarket, but for workshops themselves to try and address it independently would be a huge drain on time and resources – time that could be spent in the workshop supporting customers.

“No single business, no matter how large, can tackle the aftermarket’s biggest hurdles alone. Collaboration is key.

“We passionately believe that the independent aftermarket has hugely rewarding career opportunities to offer people with a diverse range of talents.”

Eleanor Baker Barnes, commercial director at Apprenticeship Central, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see a leader like LKQ Euro Car Parts share our ambition to break down barriers for employers and prospective apprentices, and to supercharge recruitment into the automotive sector.”