A major employer in Halesworth opened its doors to school pupils earlier this week in the hope that some will join the business as apprentices in the future.

Around 15 students aged 16 and above from Bungay High School visited the Nissan site of the Hammond Motor Group, which employs 245 people, mostly in Halesworth. The company offers a range of services related to the motor industry including repairs, recovery, Ford, Nissan and Subaru franchises, car rental and tyre care.

During the visit, the students learnt about the history of the company and the types of jobs it offers and also had a chance to speak to former Bungay High School pupils who have gone on to work for the firm.

According to group HR manager, Victor Maycock, the visit was designed to give the students “an idea of what the world of work looks like”.

He said: “By talking to former pupils from Bungay who are now employees at the Hammond Group the students can get a much better idea of the journey they have taken into the workplace. They can ask: ‘What is it like?’ and ask questions about what it was like at interview. First-hand experiences like this tend to be more real than the careers advice pupils usually get.”

Mr Maycock said the Hammond Group has taken on eight apprentices this year in roles such as vehicle technicians, body shop painters and service advisors. The company also works closely with schools to offer two-week work experience placements for pupils nearing school-leaving age. A total of six former pupils of Bungay High School, who originally attended work experience at the Hammond Group, are now working for the business full-time either as apprentices or qualified employees.

“Ensuring we have young people from the community who want to work for us is key to our business,” added Mr Maycock. “It’s about ensuring we have people for the future. Investment in training is a big part of what we are about.