SALES EXECUTIVES GRADUATE FROM EXCLUSIVE COURSE

Two sales executive from Somerset are celebrating after becoming two of the first in the country to graduate from a new two year training programme.

Gary Phip (36) and Louis Talbot (29) Silver Street Volkswagen in Taunton recently completed the course launched by the Volkswagen training academy to retain some of the top talent in the industry.

The duo, from Bridgwater and Taunton, had to pass tough exams in law, customer service, product knowledge, coaching and recruitment to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

Gary, who has worked at the retailer for over three years, said: “I am delighted to be one of the first people to complete the course.

“The qualification has given both Louis and I extra knowledge and experience to ensure customers are provided with the service they need from all staff.”

The culmination of the course, which was assessed by exams and interviews, was a three month project, presented to a panel of Volkswagen directors.

Paul Harding, sales manager at Silver Street Volkswagen, said: “We believe having knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of a business.

“The course is designed to equip some of our senior staff with the very best knowledge to deal with customers and pass on to other employees.”

Gary and Louis are among a group of only 20 graduates from the Volkswagen Academy scheme in the UK.