Bapcor fosters new talent

Bapcor has established a graduate vocational program that has introduced 10 university graduates to a professional career in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.

The program provides Bapcor, owners of a number of the country’s best known and most trusted automotive aftermarket trade and retail brands, the opportunity to invest in the future by attracting, supporting and developing new talent across all of its business divisions.

The two-year Bapcor Graduate Program provides candidates with hands-on experience across four business division rotations, giving them broad company exposure and experience, coupled with senior management guidance and support.

The university graduates selected to join Bapcor have come from a variety of degree specialisations including design, finance, engineering, digital media, human resources and psychology, bringing a diverse level of skill sets to each of their Bapcor business division placements.

Bapcor said the program generated strong interest despite a number of other companies vying to attract these talented newcomers to their industries.

“The Bapcor Graduate Program is an opportunity for us to give back to the Australian automotive aftermarket industry, while also building our company’s skills and talent pool,” said Bapcor talent and capability manager, Glenn McDermott, who is responsible for actioning program.

“This program also provides long term career opportunities for talented and driven young people with a company that has outstanding career ascension opportunities given our size and constant business growth.”

“We are very fluid and adaptive in our approach to our graduate program, ensuring that our candidates are working within their fields of business interest, which has proven to be very successful.”

According to the graduates, the program is exceeding their expectations, even for those who weren’t aware of the automotive aftermarket industry as a potential long term career path.

Cindy – “My first design job placement was with a tyre dealer, so I was aware of the industry more from a performance accessories perspective as opposed to general automotive parts. The thing about this program is that you are not just doing a job, you are experiencing personal and professional growth.

“This is my first professional job and I am learning more about myself, as well as developing my skills as it progresses. The program structure has made the transition from university to full time work relatively easy because we are supported by so many peers.”

Will – “I worked at an Opposite Lock store, so I was able to go from the retail side of the Bapcor business while pursuing my university degree, to now find myself working with the people who run the company. This enables me to bring my automotive aftermarket shop floor experience and university training to Bapcor managerial and support roles.”

James – “The scale of the Bapcor business just floored me, I started my rotations with Burson Auto Parts in Purchasing and the volume of parts we were buying was just extraordinary. Even after half a year I am still in awe of the size and efficiency of the business. Now when friends ask about the company I work with, I list the companies that make up Bapcor and this always surprises them.”

Ella – “I was so surprised at the number of smaller companies that Bapcor owns. While I had heard of the larger companies like Autobarn, Midas and Burson Auto Parts, the sheer number of businesses in the group truly surprised me, along with how they all complement each other so well.”

Aish – “I first came across this program on Grad-Connect and I had never heard of Bapcor before. What appealed to me was the true flexibility that the company offered with its graduate program and its support. Bapcor has designed the program to suit the graduate, which is different to how many other companies do it. Once I started working there, I was very surprised with the size of the company and the fact that I had never heard of it before.”

Sonny – “The best parts of the program so far have been meeting like-minded people and being on this journey with this same group of people since day one, while also being under the guidance of caring supervisors and mentors. It is also a great privilege to work with and learn from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in the industry.”

McDermott said the number of graduates ensures Bapcor can provide strong personal and emotional support they may need along the journey. “This links in strongly with the core Bapcor Value of ‘We give a Damn…’ which of course includes caring for our people. We aspire to ensure that each graduate feels valued and supported in each of their roles,” he said.

The Bapcor Graduate Program is recruiting for February 2023. To find out more visit www.bapcor.com.au/graduates.

Photo caption: A number of the 2022 Bapcor Graduate Program members with Bapcor chief executive officer, Noel Meehan (top right).