Major STEPS forward for award-winning Solihull apprentice at UK’s Garage of the Year

A multi-award winning car service centre in Monkspath Business Park, Solihull, is celebrating the success of its newest apprentice in the build-up to National Apprenticeship Week, from 5th March.

Motorserv-UK, opened almost four years ago by Solihull entrepreneur, Kamran Saleem (36), employs 17 staff, one of whom is 19-year-old Connor Fox from Shirley, who was recruited in December as an apprentice technician through Solihull Council’s STEPS programme (Support Towards Employment, Progression and Satisfaction), which helps adults with learning disabilities into work.

Attending Stratford-upon-Avon College as part of his 3-year apprenticeship in motor vehicle studies, Connor’s remarkable talent and enthusiasm has earned him the accolade of ‘Apprentice of the Month’ at the college, after just three months in the job.

Alongside Connor’s success, Motorserv-UK has also bagged another national award, ‘Large Garage of the Year 2018’, from Car & Accessory Trader Magazine.

In 2017, the garage beat hundreds of service and repair businesses across the UK to the title of ‘Garage of the Year’, as voted by the public, as well as winning ‘Business of the Year’ for the second time in a row at the 2017 Best of Solihull Awards.

Its initiatives such as, ‘No pass no fee MOT’ and ‘brake pads for life,’ have proved so popular with customers that it’s enabled Motorserv-UK to ramp up investment in apprenticeships, staff training and equipment.

Commenting on the latest recognition for his business and newest member of staff, Saleem, a resident of Solihull all his life, said: “This really is a dream start to 2018. Investing in the next generation of technicians is so important for our industry as well as Motorserv-UK, so we’re immensely proud of Connor’s effort and determination to forge a career. Gaining another award for ‘Garage of the Year’ is testament to the team’s continuing focus on going the extra mile for our customers.”

Celebrating her son’s success, Cathy Fox, Connor’s mum, said: “We’re all so proud of Connor’s achievement. He could not have managed this without the fantastic support he’s had from Motorserv-UK, the college and the STEPS service.

“Very few garages are willing to support a young person with additional needs but Kam’s business spotted his potential and welcomed Connor, which has enabled him to settle quickly and become an active member of its busy team of technicians.

“We’ve seen him become much more confident since starting and he clearly takes pride in his work.”

Photo: Kamran Saleem, owner of Motorserv-UK in Solihull with technician Connor Fox and his mum, Cathy Fox.