Stoneacre Motor Group has taken advantage of the internship initiative, Toyota Talent Powered by Autotech Academy, in a bid to grow its talent pool and secure the future of its workforce.
In 2023, Toyota GB Plc joined forces with Autotech Group’s Academy brand to launch the initiative which would address the shortage of skilled vehicle technicians and support the recruitment strategy across Toyota’s UK retail network. Built upon Autotech Academy’s proven internship concept, the programme bridges the gap between newly qualified Level 3 automotive students and motor industry employers, equipping interns with a toolbox, uniform, and 6-12 month paid internships leading to full-time employment in over 95% of cases. Additionally, Toyota provides training and support via its Academy through a fit for work assessment and report, and regular webinars to engage with the interns.
Stoneacre, an established Toyota representative with over 60 dealership sites across the UK, and a presence in the North East, has embraced this initiative. To date, 10 Autotech Academy interns have been placed at Stoneacre sites, with a standout success story from the motor company’s Newcastle site.
Cameron Bell, the site’s first intern, completed his seven-month internship and is now employed as a technician at Stoneacre Newcastle. Reflecting on his internship, Cameron shared: “The support behind the internship really stood out to me. From the tools and uniform provided to the strong network that guided me through my first months, these are facets we wouldn’t have had without this programme.”
Cameron has now taken on a mentoring role for another Academy intern, who joined the Newcastle site as an intern in July. Together, the two work in tandem to deliver Toyota Express Maintenance (TXM) splitting tasks to maximise efficiency.
Both interns earned their Level 3 qualifications in Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance before joining the programme.
David Wilkinson, In-House Toyota Express Maintenance (TXM) Trainer, said: “They both work in tandem to split tasks. While I join the interns on site for the first four weeks to show them the process, this buddy system is both efficient and an incredible learning mechanism. It’s a very slick process and one which can be rolled out across the network.”
For Stoneacre, these internships are said to be about more than plugging operational gaps—they’re an investment in the future. Dean Upton, Aftersales Manager at Stoneacre Newcastle, concluded: “The interns arrive with skills but no preconceived industry experience, making them ideal candidates. We’re able to mould them into specific roles tailored to our workshop goals with a clear focus and structured training.”
