Apprentices from Doncaster have been given the green light to their dream career as they start the UK’s first ever Metal Recycling Operative Apprenticeship with local employer, SYNETIQ. 

The apprenticeship programme has been introduced at SYNETIQ, the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling business in a bid to create new opportunities for local people as well as fulfilling a surge in demand for people as the firm continues to grow.

This month, the apprentices start their 12-month training taking part in a mixture of on and off-the-job learning and practical training . Practical training includes assisting with vehicle assessments in SYNETIQ’s ‘Landing Pad’ where they will learn to identify salvageable parts for reuse – also known as green parts. In addition, apprentices will experience the depollution process, learn engine prepping techniques and how to safely dismantle vehicles.    

Euan Harlington (24) from Doncaster said: “I’ve always had an interest in cars, but I didn’t know how to get into the industry. I saw the opportunity with SYNETIQ and I couldn’t turn it down, this was my chance at a stable career in a valuable trade.  The variety of practical and theory learning was a big attraction along with building my bank of transferable skills.”   

Apprentices will gain employability skills such as, health and safety awareness, manual handling, plant equipment training, the opportunity to gain an understanding of electric vehicles and environmental practises to support with the company’s sustainability strategy, ‘Our Road to Tomorrow.’  

Natalie Buckley. Head of HR at SYNETIQ said: “This is such an exciting time for our new apprentices, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the SYNETIQ family.  The launch of our new scheme comes at an ideal time with latest Government statistics showing a dip in apprenticeships nationally, with start figures down 6.9% in 2020/21 compared to the previous year.  

“As our business continues to grow, now is the time to recruit, train and educate our future workforce. We decided to jump-start our own programme in partnership with a pioneering education provider to bring new career and earning opportunities to local people as well as futureproofing ourselves to support our growth plan.  

“The very best of luck to our new colleagues, we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.”  

Caption: SYNETIQ apprentices alongside (back row from left to right) Trevor Madden, Operations Manager,  Michael Hill Head of Operations, Robert Hampson, Operations Manager and Nick Penton, Operations Manager (front right).  

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, has been awarded the prestigious CCA Global Standard Accreditation by the Customer Contact Association, for a second year.

The CCA Global Standard, recognised as the definitive standard for customer contact operations, was awarded to Copart for a second time, following an intensive ‘year 2’ assessment, performed virtually over a two-day period with the Customer Support Centre and Claims Settlement teams at their Customer Excellence Centre in Bedford.

Following the rapid expansion of Copart’s customer service functions, the Customer Excellence Centre opened earlier this year to further support the essential services the company provides to the insurance sector.

During the assessment, Copart provided a comprehensive range of evidential documentation supported by video conversations with key members of the team, including the Director of Performance, Quality and Risk and the newly appointed Head of Central Operations.

The company was commended for the planning and organisation involved in preparing for the assessment and there were no non-conformities or advisories received.

In a very positive summary at the close of the assessment, the CCA Global Standard Auditor stated that Copart had demonstrated solid improvement despite the pandemic, praising the company’s robust response to the crisis and rapid deployment of remote working for employees in non-operational roles.

Copart’s focus on the personal development of their people was commended, with their investment into apprenticeships and mental health awareness training being very positively received. Other keys strengths highlighted were the company’s continuous focus on customer experience and the high levels of employee engagement.

Copart first received the award in 2019, the first within their industry to do so, and are re-assessed on an annual basis to retain the accreditation.

Jane Pocock, Managing Director of Copart UK & Ireland, said:

“We’re thrilled to retain our globally recognised accreditation despite the challenges of the pandemic, and I was particularly pleased to see such positive feedback around how we have communicated with, recognised, and supported our people during this time .

“The assessment has really highlighted Copart’s resilience during a crisis and the determination of our customer contact teams to continue delivering outstanding professionalism and industry-leading customer service.”

Penny Bayley, CCA Global Standard Auditor, added:

“Copart should be applauded for their approach in managing to keep employees engaged and supported through the pandemic, utilising the resource and capacity to provide training and a variety of activities.

“It is clear from the conversations and documents evidenced that the company is focused on their customers and their people, and that they have clear future improvement aspirations for the service they provide.”

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling Copart UK announces the launch of CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie, two new consumer-facing websites designed to enable customers to sell their car instantly, straight from their driveway. CashForCars is a well-established global brand which utilises the unrivalled operational capabilities of its parent company Copart and provides a unique service to consumers looking to sell their car. With no need to take your car to an agent, consumers can get a quote, agree the sale, and receive their funds in a matter of hours.

Both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie provide a free, online quote within sixty seconds, a free nationwide collection service, and fast payment upon receipt of the vehicle.

Offering further convenience and choice, customers also have the option to drop off their vehicles to dedicated areas based at Copart UK’s 15 nationwide Operation Centres, and in Ireland at Copart’s Head Office in Castledermot, or one of their sub-lot partnerships in Donegal, Mayo, Galway, and Limerick.

Any vehicle, in any condition, will be accepted via this platform, including non-runners, accident-damaged and MOT/NCT failures.

Customers will benefit from a fast and efficient collection service, normally within two working days of quotation acceptance; and the entire process from initial quotation through to final payment is completely online, providing a completely safe and contact-free service.

Mark Godfrey, Director of Strategy & Automotive Division at Copart, said:

“We are delighted to launch CashForCars in both the UK and Ireland, having already successfully established this global brand across over 200 locations in the US, Canada, and Germany.

“CashForCars provides a fast, efficient, and free service to customers in the UK and Ireland wanting to get quick cash for their vehicles, including those with accident damage or failed MOTs/NCTs, which some other similar service providers do not accept.

“We pride ourselves on offering a simple, transparent, and hassle-free process, with honest and accurate valuations, and a variety of convenient collection or drop-off options across the UK and Ireland.”

The headquarters for both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie are based in Inverkeithing, Scotland, an area in which Copart UK is making a significant investment as part of their ambitious growth programme.

Jane Pocock, Managing Director of Copart UK & Ireland, said:

“Expansion in Scotland is part of Copart’s ambitious growth programme to meet continued demand from our customers and includes our recent announcement of plans to develop a new Copart Operation Centre in East Kilbride.

“As both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie, based in Inverkeithing, continue to grow, powered by Copart’s extensive operational capabilities, we anticipate further expansion of this service in Scotland and future employment opportunities in this area.”

CashForCars is currently seeking Customer Service Advisors and applications can be made through copart.co.uk/jobs or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about CashForCars, visit CashForCars.co.uk or Cash-For-Cars.ie

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, have announced expansion plans for their Sandy Operation Centre as part of their ongoing growth programme.

Plans for a 27-acre expansion of their Sandy Operation Centre in Bedfordshire is yet another strand of Copart’s extensive reinvestment strategy, which combines a programme of land acquisition with continuous improvement at existing sites and reinvestment in transport, services, and technology.

The planned expansion will provide a total of just under 60 operational acres at Sandy and will double the annual storage capacity at this location to 80,000 vehicles. Bedfordshire is an area in which Copart has made a significant investment this year.

The company’s Customer Excellence Centre opened at Franklin Court, Bedford earlier this year, housing Copart’s growing customer service functions, including their Claims Settlement, Customer Support Centre, Vehicle Engineering and Operational Audit teams. This announcement follows recent updates about expansions at Copart’s Operation Centres in Bristol, Wisbech and York, as well as plans for a new 31-acre site in East Kilbride which will double the company’s operational capabilities in Scotland

Phil Briggs, Copart UK’s Director of Operation Centres, Transport & Engineering, said:

“Our plans to develop a further 27 acres at this location will further strengthen our storage capacity for customers operating in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas in the South East of England.

“The planned expansion at our Sandy Operation Centre is set to double our operational capabilities at this location, enabling us to continue providing industry leading vehicle storage and services.”

Jane Pocock, Managing Director of Copart UK & Ireland, said:

“Having recently opened the doors to our new Customer Excellence Centre, these expansion plans for our Sandy Operation Centre will further strengthen our presence and operational capabilities in Bedfordshire and will provide more future employment opportunities in this area.

“Despite the challenges of the past year, it has been and continues to be, an exciting period of growth and re-investment for Copart. We have never stood still and are determined to keep pushing forward with our ambitious growth programme, throughout what is going to be another exciting year ahead.”

Subject to all relevant planning permissions, Copart anticipates the additional 27 acres at the Sandy Operation Centre, which currently employs around 80 people, to be operational by December 2021.