A CAR dealership worker has celebrated reaching a 30-year milestone by taking up a new role recruiting apprentices.

Stewart Rose, 46, a centre service manager, joined Bowker BMW – now on Trident Park in Blackburn – as an apprentice when the centre was based in Accrington back in 1985.

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Since then, he’s fulfilled many roles including apprentice technician, workshop foreman, technical advisor, workshop controller and now service manager.

Stewart, who lives in Clitheroe, has celebrated his 30 year milestone by confirming a key new role in the firm’s liaison with Blackburn College to help students develop and gain employability skills.

The former Blackburn College and St Wilfrid’s student 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.

“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 to form 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: “After an incredible 30 years learning and crafting his trade, Stewart is an inspiration to us all.”

The scholarship programme is open to motor vehicle students to apply for, they will then be shortlisted and will go through an interview process to get a place.

The students chosen will have work experience at Bowker BMW in Blackburn.