EXCLUSIVE APPRENTICESHIP FOR COLTISHALL TEENAGER

A young motor enthusiast from Coltishall has embarked on an exclusive three-year training programme with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Seventeen-year-old Sean Rose, has been accepted by Norwich’s Volkswagen Van Centre, Robinsons, as the latest recruit on the technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Robinsons Van Centre will invest nearly £40,000 to train Sean through to technician status.

The dedicated apprentice successfully completed a motor mechanics course at City College Norwich to increase his automotive knowledge and employment opportunities and is now looking forward to achieving his ambition of working in the motor industry.

He said: “I am very pleased to have secured my apprenticeship and grateful to Robinsons Van Centre for giving me this chance.

“My uncle was a car mechanic and I believe this started my passion for the motor industry. Alongside the apprenticeship I will be utilising my new skills to renovate an old car I have recently bought.”

Robinson Van Centre’s service manager, Steve Scott, said: “Sean demonstrated great enthusiasm for the industry and this is one of the main reasons why he’s been given the place on the apprenticeship programme.

“We are confident he will come through the three years with flying colours.”

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

DOUBLE BUSINESS BOOST FOR CANTERBURY RETAILER

A Canterbury retailer has boosted its business by appointing a new service manager and a new apprentice technician.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen has welcomed college leaver, Charlie Alexander, and experienced service manager David Bryen.

Charlie Alexander (17), from Ramsgate, studied mechanics at Thanet College and applied for the apprentice position, after seeing it advertised on the Volkswagen website.

Speaking of his appointment, Charlie said: “I didn’t expect to get invited for an interview but was thrilled when I did because this is my ideal job.

“I’ve always wanted to work with cars and could not believe it when I was offered the job.

“My aim is to become a master technician, ideally with Volkswagen as it’s such a prestigious brand.”

David (43) has 26 years of automotive industry experience and worked across the south east for different automotive brands.

Like Charlie, David started his career as an apprentice, before working his way up the career ladder to service manager.

David said “I’m looking forward to working with all the staff at EuroCanterbury Volkswagen and passing on my knowledge to apprentices like Charlie.”

EuroCanterbury’s brand manager, Kevin Taunton, said: “We are thrilled to welcome David and Charlie to our team.

“I’m sure David will be able to pass on his expertise to all our technicians.

“They both will be great assets to EuroCanterbury’s customers.”

WOLVERHAMPTON APPRENTICE PROVES HIS WORTH

Three years of hard work and training have paid off for Matthew Lloyd after he qualified as a service technician with Wolverhampton Volkswagen.

The 21-year-old ‘petrol head’ joined the Bilston Road retailer in 2006 on work experience and impressed so much that he was offered an apprenticeship in 2007.

Matthew completed an intense training programme, through the Volkswagen Training Academy, to achieve his recent status and is now focusing on progressing his skills and qualifications.

His ultimate goal is to work at the Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art car plant in Wolfsburg. Speaking of this qualifications Matthew said: “I have enjoyed every minute of the course and would love to eventually work at Volkswagen’s HQ in Germany.

“I am very passionate about the Volkswagen range and I’m already in the process of doing up my third Volkswagen, which is a Golf Mark II, after which I want to tackle a classic Beetle.

“The motor industry is my life and it’s something I share with my dad. Last summer we spent time visiting the various Volkswagen factories in Germany and I feel this really helped to give me a greater insight into the precision and quality behind Volkswagen vehicles.

“I’m really grateful to Wolverhampton Volkswagen, because they have shown faith in my ability and continually support my ambitions.”

Wolverhampton Volkswagen’s service manager, Paul Robinson, said: “Matthew has worked diligently throughout his training programme and fully deserves to have reached the technician status.

“He is an excellent example to others and is already assisting our newest apprentice. We are confident that Matthew’s passion and enthusiasm will help him to reach his ultimate goal.”

It costs over £40,000 to train a candidate to technician status with further investment to continue developing as a technician.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

Top technician reaches new heights

A van technician from Wolsey Volkswagen in Ipswich is celebrating after reaching the top of his profession.

Matt Lankester (39) from Martlesham, recently gained his master technician status after completing an intensive on-the-job training and assessment programme through the Volkswagen Academy.

Specialising in commercial vehicles, Matt will pass on his expertise to his colleagues within the growing van division at Wolsey.

Matt joined the Sproughton Road retailer as a qualified technician having formerly specialised in trucks for 10 years, from apprentice level, with Mercedes Benz. His commercial vehicle expertise uniquely placed him in the ideal position to develop the business to meet customers’ needs.

As part of his graduation, Matt was taken on a two day trip to the Volkswagen factory in Hanover. Commenting on this course, Matt said: “We understand the importance of keeping customers’ vans fully operational, therefore the increased knowledge I have gained from my training will ensure we can offer the very best service to our customers.

“It was an added bonus to be taken to Hanover and a most enjoyable two days.”

Wolsey Van Centre brand manager, Tim Hargraves, added: “Matt is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.

“His colleagues will certainly benefit from working with a technician of this calibre.”

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or sue@connect-group.com

Car mad chef lives the dream

A former chef has found the recipe to success by turning his passion for cars into a career for the future.

Alec Hodges from Barnstaple switched careers and embarked on an intensive training programme to become a fully-qualified Volkswagen parts advisor.

The 29 year old joined Barnstaple Volkswagen after deciding his heart was more in cars than in food. His course entailed a series of on and off-site workshops and assessments through the Volkswagen Training Academy before achieving the parts accreditation status.

Speaking of his qualification Alec said: “I have always had a passion for cars

I’m really grateful to Barnstaple Volkswagen for giving me the opportunity to pursue my ambition.

“Making the switch from the kitchen to the showroom has been hard work as I undertook a series of job roles to achieve my present position. This qualification has given me further knowledge and skills of the Volkswagen brand which will assist me in driving my motoring career forward.”

Alec joined the Braunton Road Volkswagen team in 2004 as a valeter. He undertook various roles including servicing and warranty clerk until a suitable trainee post became available within the Parts division.

Barnstaple Volkswagen service manager, John Leith, added: “Alec’s qualification is credit to his hard work and determination to succeed. He is a prime example of the importance of pursuing a career that will drive you forward.”

For more information contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

CHESTER VOLKSWAGEN TECHNICIANS ACHIEVE TOP QUALIFICATION

Two technicians from a Chester car retailer are celebrating reaching the top of their profession.

Chris Dutton (30), from Blacon, and Dave Clarke (29), from Ewloe, have just gained their ‘advanced technical repairer’ qualifications – making them amongst the most qualified Volkswagen technicians in the country.

Both work at Dane Volkswagen on Sealand Road and after starting as apprentice technicians at 16 have progressed quickly through Volkswagen’s training programmes.

Delighted Chris said: “It’s really rewarding to know I have reached the top of my profession.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but both Dave and I have both been fully supported by Dane and couldn’t have got this far without them.”

Chris and Dave can now carry out the most complicated technical repair work on all Volkswagen vehicles and make the most difficult diagnoses. They will also mentor junior members of staff at the retailer.

Dave, who has worked for Dane Chester since he was 19, said: “I have loved my time working here and aimed to progress to an advanced technical repairer since joining; so I am really happy to have made it.

“I also hope it will shows the younger technicians that it can be done and the hard work is worth it.”

If you are interested in this story please contact Natasha Brown on 01902 714957 or email natasha@connect-group.com