The company employs around 90 people – many of whom either started as apprentices or are currently undertaking the apprenticeship programme.
Baroness Smith was joined by Phil Smith CBE, the chair of Coventry-based Skills England as it published its Annual Skills Report which marked its first anniversary with a comprehensive assessment of current and future skills needs.
Skills England’s report highlights that an extra 1.8 million jobs will be created by the end of the decade in sectors including AI, manufacturing and construction, highlighting why investment in training and upskilling young people is so important.
The visit was supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, including its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team which is working with businesses in the region to ensure local skills needs are met.
In the West Midlands, the LSIP is being led by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is being supported by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Baroness Smith and Phil Smith CBE chatted to Danielle Mouseley, Evan Ward, Cambell Butler and Josh Beeson, as well as hearing from company owner Rob Ally and its head of people, Tynan Scope.
They heard the differing routes to the apprenticeship each individual had taken and also learned how XL Motors also offers work experience programmes.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: “Brilliant businesses like XL Motors are proof that apprenticeships aren't just good for individuals, they're good for growth.
“Skills England's Annual Report shows there will be 1.8 million more jobs by the end of this decade, and this government is determined to ensure young people have the skills they need to seize those opportunities.
"Our reforms to the apprenticeship and skills system, alongside our Youth Guarantee, backed by £2.5 billion, will help to build a workforce fit for the future.”
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “It was a privilege to visit XL Motors and meet their leadership team and apprentices on the day we published our Annual Skills Report.
“Supporting many more young people into skilled employment, while helping SMEs address their skills needs through apprenticeships and other flexible training options, is a key priority for Skills England.
“Seeing first-hand how well apprenticeships are working for XL Motors was truly inspiring. It was a fabulous example of great leadership and enlightened strategy and I wish them every success in the future.”
Rob Ally said: “As a business, we are keen to bring through the next generation of workforce and apprenticeships play a huge part in that. We want to give opportunities to young people in our region and, as a business, we are rewarded for doing so because it ensures our team is future-proofed and we can continue to grow and serve more and more customers. We were delighted to showcase that to the Minister and other key figures in the region.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were really pleased to help showcase the incredible work that XL Motors is doing in supporting apprentices which is not only great for the individuals involved, it’s great for business too.
“They are developing and moulding a workforce to ensure the business has a skilled workforce not only now but in the future too.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to realise their full potential, and apprenticeships do that by opening doors to rewarding careers.
“By giving young people the real‑world skills that are needed in sectors like engineering and automotive, businesses like XL Motors are providing opportunities and shaping the talent that will power our region’s future.”
