A Blackburn BMW centre service manager has celebrated a 30 year employment milestone.
Stewart Rose joined Bowker BMW – now on Trident Park in Blackburn – as an apprentice when the centre was based in Accrington back in 1985.
Since then, he’s fulfilled many roles including apprentice technician, workshop foreman, technical advisor, workshop controller and now service manager.
Stewart has celebrated his 30 year milestone by confirming a key new role in Bowker Motor Group’s liaison with Blackburn College to help students develop and gain employability skills.
Stewart said:
“I’ve always considered myself very fortunate to have been able to stick with a job I love throughout my working career – starting from the moment I left full-time education. That’s why I’m so passionate about the new work we’re doing with Blackburn College.
“I’m just a local lad who started out as an apprentice. The thing is, apprenticeships deliver real careers and long and fulfilling ones too. And I’m the living proof!”
Last month Bowker BMW signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Blackburn College, signifying a partnership between the college and local motor dealers to establish a Regional Automotive Technology Development Programme.
The partnership secured £95,500 from the Edge Foundation’s Innovation and Development Fund to set up the Programme and create a ‘real-world learning environment’ with new work experience opportunities to help students get into employment.
Chris Eccles managing director at Bowker BMW said:
“I think everyone at Bowker understands the importance of work experience and having appropriate role models to learn from. After an incredible 30 years learning and crafting his trade, Stewart is an inspiration to us all.
“We always seek his advice, and now thanks to the new partnership with Blackburn College, students will be able to benefit from his vast experience too.”
The scholarship programme at Bowker BMW is open to motor vehicle students to apply for, they will then be shortlisted and will go through an interview and selection process to get a place. The students who are chosen will have work experience at Bowker BMW in Blackburn.
