EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR EXETER MANAGER

A Devon man is celebrating joining an exclusive club after being recognised for his outstanding services to the automotive industry.

Paul Beazley, from Brixham was presented with a Volkswagen Gold Pin for exceptional service to the brand, at a recent ceremony in London.

The brand manager at Mann Egerton Volkswagen has over 12 years’ experience in the car industry, including five years at the Marsh Barton site.

Paul, (41), said: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin, it’s a huge honour.

“The job brings its own rewards through working closely with all members of staff, planning the strategy of the business and working hard to make sure our philosophy of ‘customer first’ is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

Only about 20 people from Volkswagen are awarded the Gold Pin every year.

HONITON APPRENTICE TAKES FIRST STEP ON CAREER LADDER

A young car enthusiast from Honiton has embarked on three-year apprenticeship with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Sixteen-year-old Chance Harris has been accepted by Exeter’s Volkswagen retailer Mann Egerton to be the latest recruit on the technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Mann Egerton will invest nearly £30,000 to train Chance through to technician status.

Chance, who has joined straight after leaving Honiton Community College, is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working on Volkswagen vehicles.

He said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is the only job I have ever wanted to do. I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.

“I am over the moon to I be given this opportunity and very grateful to Mann Egerton Volkswagen for giving me this chance.”

Mann Egerton’s brand manager, Paul Beazley, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

“Chance’s passion for cars was one of the main reasons why he’s been given this place on the apprenticeship programme.

“He may only be 16, but I’m confident Chance will come through the three years with flying colours.”

TOP TECHNICIAN REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

An Exeter car technician is celebrating reaching the top of his profession after qualifying from a six-year national programme.

Mike Butler (38) recently gained his ‘master technician’ status after undergoing six years of intensive on-the-job training and assessments.

He joined Mann Egerton Volkswagen 15 years ago shortly after graduating from his apprenticeship, and has worked his way through Volkswagen Academy’s training programmes to reach his current level

Now one of the UK’s top Volkswagen technicians, he will pass on his experience to the Marsh Barton site’s apprentice technicians.

He said: “I am over the moon to I have reached the top of my profession and it’s extremely rewarding to know I can now pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of technicians.

“I’m very grateful to Mann Egerton Volkswagen for believing in me and for investing in my training.”

Mann Egerton Volkswagen’s after sales manager, Trevor Jackson, said: “Mike is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.

“The apprentices are lucky to have a technician of his calibre teaching them.”

It costs nearly £40,000 to train an apprentice through to technician status and a further £100,000 for a technician to reach the master technician level.

If you are interested in this story please contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714 957 or email richard@connect-group.com