World leading lubricant brand, Castrol, has entered into a new partnership with UK-based apprenticeship and technical training provider, ProVQ, along with their Official Workshop Partner, The Race Group, to strengthen the future talent pipeline for workshops within the Castrol branded network.
Identifying a Gap Between Demand and Available Placements
ProVQ identified a gap between apprentice demand and available placements, prompting them to look for a solution and partnering with major industry brands to expand opportunities.
Castrol Service is a global network of independent workshops that reflect continued commitment to quality service and high standards. The partnership with ProVQ aims to provide clear career pathways for those starting out in the automotive industry, whilst supporting the long-term capability and resilience of the independent workshop network.
Michelle Rice, Head of Automotive at The Race Group, part of Certas Energy, commented:
“ProVQ is a highly respected training provider, and we’re delighted to partner with them to help develop the next generation of technicians – launching the very first Castrol Service cohort of apprentices in 2026. This partnership helps our network attract and nurture new talent at a time when the automotive industry needs it most.”
ProVQ will manage the recruitment and training process for apprentices entering Castrol Service workshops in full, covering: candidate attraction, assessment, onboarding and technical training, delivered through ProVQ’s nationally recognised apprenticeship programmes. Learners will receive hands-on training at ProVQ’s dedicated automotive training centre combined with workplace development tailored to the needs of modern garages and evolving vehicle technology.
ProVQ and Castrol’s Plan to Bridge the Gap
The journey to becoming a Master Technician in the EV era is not just about tools; it’s about a mindset of continuous learning. ProVQ’s apprenticeship programs are designed to bridge this gap, merging hands-on workshop experience with high-fidelity digital simulations.
Steve McCann, Chairman at ProVQ added:
“Working with Castrol is an exciting step and one that aligns fully with our mission to turn enthused learners into fully qualified technicians in the automotive sector. Workshops need skilled, motivated technicians more than ever, and young people need routes into stable, future-proof careers. We are proud to support the Castrol branded network with high-quality training programmes that give learners real opportunity and employers real confidence and ability to grow.”
ProVQ and The Race Group invite all those within the Castrol branded network to a webinar on the 17th March, to learn more about how this new partnership will help them recruit the next generation of skilled technicians. Those within the network can expect to receive an invite in the coming days.
For more information on registering for an apprentice, email recruitment@provq.com or call 01743 762800.
