Hollinwood youngster given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Hollinwood has just embarked on an exclusive three-year apprenticeship with an Oldham business.

Matthew Friend, 17, has been accepted by Oldham Volkswagen retailer Smith Knight Fay, on to the technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Smith Knight Fay will invest nearly £40,000 to train Matthew through to technician status.

Matthew, who has joined straight after leaving Astley Sports College, is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working on Volkswagen vehicles.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and very grateful to Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen for giving me this chance.

“I have family members who are technicians which has helped me develop an understanding of 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’m now looking forward to completing the apprenticeship and developing a career in the motor industry.”

Smith Knight Fay’s brand manager, Jason Chisnall, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

“We only take on an apprenticeship every two or three years so Matthew can be satisfied he’s achieved something already by being appointed.

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

“Matthew may only be 17, but I’m confident he will come through the next three years with flying colours.”

OLDHAM MANAGER IS ONE OF COUNTRY’S BEST

A senior manager from Oldham is celebrating becoming the first in the country to graduate from a new two-year management training course.

Jason Chisnall, brand manager at Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen in Oldham, recently completed the course launched by Volkswagen UK’s training academy to retain the top talent in the industry.

It completes a double celebration for Jason (below), as he marks 20 years in the motor industry late this year.

The 40-year-old’s career has see him work his way up to the very top, after he began as a petrol pump attendant in 1991.

Since then Jason has progressed as a sales executive, business manager, sales manager and now brand manager.

He said: “I am delighted to be one of the first to complete the course and impressed by how much knowledge I’ve gained.

“Support from colleagues at Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen has helped enormously and given me the time to study for this course.

“The qualification has given me extra information and experience to ensure customers are provided with the service they need from all staff.”

Jason had to pass tough exams in law, customer service, product knowledge, coaching and recruitment to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

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

Jason is one of only thirty graduates from the Volkswagen scheme in the UK.