Honda (UK) apprentices get lessons in life: Personal development runs alongside technical training

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to examine the reasons for the success of the Honda (UK) apprenticeship program.

Design/methodology/approach

The importance to the program's success of Honda's parallel curriculum is highlighted along with a personal‐development program containing up to 17 modules aimed at helping apprentices to succeed in their current training, future career and personal life.

Findings

The article reveals that the apprenticeship program last year scored 91 percent – 14.4 percent above the national average – for its completion rates and 90 percent – 24.5 percent above the national average – for the number of apprentices who complete the program within the time‐frame promised by the company.

Practical implications

The role of the Honda Institute in delivering the apprenticeship program is considered.

Social implications

The article positions the parallel curriculum in the context of the wider government agenda for developing socially responsible individuals.

Originality/value

The article reveals why Honda (UK) considers it so important that apprentices learn social and personal‐development skills alongside their technical training.

Citation

(2012), "Honda (UK) apprentices get lessons in life: Personal development runs alongside technical training", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 20 No. 7, pp. 23-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731211270257