Kirkcaldy teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Kirkcaldy has embarked on a three-year training course with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Michael Given (18), from Burnt Island, has been accepted by Volkswagen retailer, Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy to be the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.
Over the next three years Specialist Cars will invest nearly £40,000 to train Michael through to technician status.

Michael originally approached Specialist Cars for a role at its customer services centre. The team felt his knowledge, skills and passion were more suited to the apprentice programme and offered him the role.

Speaking of his new role Michael said: “I have always been technically minded and fascinated by the way things work so I am really looking forward to working on Volkswagen vehicles.

“I decided to turn down a university place to study astrophysics so I am over the moon to have secured the apprenticeship with Specialist Cars. My aim is to go as far as I can in my career.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I want to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”

Specialist Cars’ brand manager, Paul Lanni, said: “Michael’s passion and technical know-how was one of the main reasons why we choose him for the apprenticeship programme.

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

Aberdeen teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

A young car enthusiast from Aberdeen has embarked on a three-year training course with the aim of becoming the best in the business.

Sixteen-year-old Nathan Horne has been accepted by Volkswagen car retailer, Specialist Cars in Aberdeen to be the latest recruit on the company’s parts apprenticeship scheme

Over the next three years Specialist Cars will invest nearly £40,000 to train Nathan to become a parts advisor.

Nathan started after finishing his GCSE’s at Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen. His ambition to work in the automotive industry was evident in his interview which secured him the apprenticeship.

Nathan said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is my dream job. 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 be given this opportunity and very grateful to Specialist Cars for giving me this chance.

“I am determined to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”

Specialist Cars’ aftersales manager, Scott Brunton, said: “Nathan’s enthusiasm was one of the main reasons why he secured this place on the apprenticeship programme.

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

National recognition for motoring profession

A motoring specialist from Aberdeen has been rewarded for his outstanding levels of customer service by one of Europe’s largest car manufacturers.

Service advisor, Craig Huggins, who works at Specialist Cars was named as one of Volkswagen’s top ten service advisors in the UK.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Volkswagen retailer in 2009 has specialised in the automotive service industry for eight years. Craig successfully completed a series of assessments and role plays to achieve his prestigious status.

As part of his graduation Craig enjoyed a three day trip to Volkswagen’s factory and museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Speaking of his recent status, Craig said: “To have my work labelled as one of the best in the country makes me incredibly proud.

“I was delighted to visit the Volkswagen factory and the AutoStadt museum. It was a truly amazing experience and one that I will certainly remember.”

Tony Lanni, sales manager at Specialist Cars Aberdeen, said: “Our congratulations go to Craig.

“We’re very proud of his achievement and believe he deserves his recognition for consistent professionalism.”

RETAILER NETS BUSINESS HAT TRICK AWARD

A Kirkcaldy business is celebrating after being named as one of the top 10 Volkswagen retailers, for the third year running and has now secured the number one place in the 2009 awards.

Specialist Cars, on Caxton Place, scooped the national Retailer Excellence Award status, from Volkswagen UK, following its consistently high level of customer service and sales.

The award winning Volkswagen showroom finished at the top, out of 215 sites nationwide.

It was a double celebration for Specialist Cars as sales manager, Chris Smith, was also awarded the prestigious Sales Manager of Excellence title for the third consecutive year.

With over 24 years of automotive experience, Chris from Kirkcaldy, joined Specialist Cars in 2001 as a sale executive. He swiftly progressed to the managerial role where he has consistently developed the customer experience and business sales.

Volkswagen closely monitors its retailers ensuring that all areas of the business are performing according to its high standards and targets. Scores are collated throughout the year culminating in an annual result.

Paul Lanni, brand manager at Specialist Cars, accepted the award at Whitehall Palace in London. The event was hosted by BBC sports presenter and recent Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins, followed by a performance by the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite.

Paul said: “We are truly delighted to have received this award. It is credit to the team’s hard-work that we have achieved this title for the third year running.

“We are very pleased for Chris, to be recognised as one of the top three sales managers across the entire network for the third time, this is a fantastic achievement.”

“We always strive to provide the best service to meet our customers’ needs and these national awards confirm our commitment.”

Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen Group UK Ltd, said: “We feel is important to recognise and monitor the performance of the Volkswagen network and Specialist Cars is certainly becoming a regular face at these awards.

“We would like to congratulate them on their dedication and hard-work.”

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

PETERHEAD FC SCORE NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Peterhead FC is geared up for the season after confirming a new sponsorship deal.

Aberdeen’s Volkswagen retailer, Specialist Cars, is helping to improve the second division club’s transport needs by providing them with three new Volkswagen cars.

The Blue Toon fleet comprises of a Passat, Golf and Polo and will provide the coaches, managers and players with a reliable and cost effective solution for the club.

The vehicles will be used for daily club activity in addition to attending competitor matches and helping to reduce the clubs transportation costs.

Peterhead FC manager, Neale Cooper, said: The Club is really pleased to have Specialist Cars on board and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them.

“Support from local businesses is vital for the future sustainability of Peterhead Football Club and in continuing to develop talent from the under 12’s through to the elite first team.”

Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer’s sales manager, Tony Lanni, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Peterhead Football Club and wish them success for the season.


Picture caption: (l-r) Peterhead FC collects the keys of their new cars Peterhead FC manager, Neale Cooper, Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer’s sales manager, Tony Lanni and Peterhead FC Youth and Community coach Scott McKenzie

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

SPECIALIST CARS STORM TO VICTORY IN REGIONAL AWARDS

Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy has made history by becoming the regional winner in all five categories of Volkswagen’s Paint and Body Shop Awards 2008.

The Caxton Place retailer stormed to victory and went on to represent Scotland against six other UK regions to compete for the national title.

Specialist Cars beat off stiff competition from 19 other Volkswagen retailers in Scotland to achieve the feat.

The retailer scooped first place in all categories beginning with Regional Body Shop of the year 2008. The individuals listed below were awarded the following regional awards:

Body Shop Superior – Tom Wilson
Spray Paint Technician – Brian Bell
Mechanical Technician – Stuart Miller
Panel Beater Technician – Graham Ramsay

The body shop team includes seven Volkswagen specialists who have, all but one, worked together since it opened in 2001. Each individual had to undertake a series of online activities designed to measure their product and technical knowledge. They then had to complete three separate onsite assessments which monitored their customer relations, craftsmanship and skills in full.

Specialist Cars’ brand manager, Paul Lanni, said: “This is an amazing achievement and highlights the expertise and service we have at Kirkcaldy. The team thoroughly deserve the awards as they are always striving to deliver total customer satisfaction.”

Picture caption: back l-r, The Kirkcaldy Paint and Body Shop team, Tony Wilson, bodyshop supervisor, Kenneth Watt, spray painter, Brian Bell, spray painter, Roderick Davie, aftersales manager. Front row, l-r, Stuart Miller, panel beater technician, Graham Ramsay, bodyshop foreman, John Bradford, spray painter technician, Alec Burns, panel beater technician.

For further information contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

SPECIALIST CARS STORM TO VICTORY IN REGIONAL AWARDS

Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy has made history by becoming the regional winner in all five categories of Volkswagen’s Paint and Body Shop Awards 2008.

The Caxton Place retailer stormed to victory and went on to represent Scotland against six other UK regions to compete for the national title.

Specialist Cars beat off stiff competition from 19 other Volkswagen retailers in Scotland to achieve the feat.

The retailer scooped first place in all categories beginning with Regional Body Shop of the year 2008. The individuals listed below were awarded the following regional awards:

Body Shop Superior – Tom Wilson
Spray Paint Technician – Brian Bell
Mechanical Technician – Stuart Miller
Panel Beater Technician – Graham Ramsay

The body shop team includes seven Volkswagen specialists who have, all but one, worked together since it opened in 2001. Each individual had to undertake a series of online activities designed to measure their product and technical knowledge. They then had to complete three separate onsite assessments which monitored their customer relations, craftsmanship and skills in full.

Specialist Cars’ brand manager, Paul Lanni, said: “This is an amazing achievement and highlights the expertise and service we have at Kirkcaldy. The team thoroughly deserve the awards as they are always striving to deliver total customer satisfaction.”

Picture caption: back l-r, The Kirkcaldy Paint and Body Shop team, Tony Wilson, bodyshop supervisor, Kenneth Watt, spray painter, Brian Bell, spray painter, Roderick Davie, aftersales manager. Front row, l-r, Stuart Miller, panel beater technician, Graham Ramsay, bodyshop foreman, John Bradford, spray painter technician, Alec Burns, panel beater technician.

If you are interested in this story please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.