// Halfords has launched a recruitment drive to hire more than 700 people across the UK
// It has vehicle and cycle technician roles, store staff roles, MOT testers and management roles available
// It runs four purpose-built training academies in Basingstoke, Northampton, Bolton and Halifax
Halfords has launched a recruitment drive to hire more than 700 people across the UK after a strong year in both the motoring services and cycling parts of its business.
The retailer, which has 404 stores and 374 garages, has roles available for vehicle technicians, MOT testers, cycle technicians, auto technicians, store and autocentre staff, department supervisors and management.
Halfords said it invests heavily in training to give its staff, running four purpose-built training academies in Basingstoke, Northampton, Bolton and Halifax.
READ MORE: Halfords full year profits skyrocket 72%
It said it spent £1m on technician training in the last year alone.
Halfords also partners with the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) and DVSA to develop qualifications and training and is one of the few employers to offer every technician a pathway to becoming an MOT tester and hybrid trained technician.
The retailer added that it also offers competitive pay, performance related bonuses and incentives, pension contributions colleague discounts and a range of other benefits.
Halfords also has a history of offering roles to service men and women when they leave the forces.
“Our strategy of focusing on services is paying dividends as more and more people turn to us for fitting and repairs,” Halfords group head of resourcing Andy McBride said.
“At the same time, the acceleration in the adoption of electric vehicles is creating new opportunities in our garages.
“The UK faces a skills gap in electric technicians. As a nation we need to be training technicians at twice the current rate.
“We’re determined to ensure we stay ahead of the game and play our part in helping people transition to electric forms of transport.”
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