Stourbridge teenager given exclusive apprenticeship

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

Matthew Garbutt has been accepted by Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, to be the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.

Over the next three years Stourbridge Volkswagen will invest nearly £40,000 to train Matthew through to technician status.

The 17-year old joined straight from leaving Stourbridge College where he studied motor vehicles, and is looking forward to achieving his ambition of working in the automotive industry for a highly regarded brand.

Speaking of his new role Matthew, said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and very grateful to Stourbridge Volkswagen for giving me this chance.

“It has always been my goal to become a technician. I am looking forward to gaining hands on experience and working alongside the team of highly trained technicians at Stourbridge, learning from their wealth of experience.

“I am very pleased to be working for the Volkswagen brand and after completing the apprenticeship hope to develop a career in the motor industry.”

Stourbridge Volkswagen service manager, Paul Robinson, said: “In the current economic climate, it’s important that local businesses give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop a career.

“Matthew’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 17, but we are confident Matthew will come through the next three years with flying colours.”

Change at the top for Stourbridge business

A Stourbridge business has welcomed the appointment of a new brand manager.

Simon Volans has taken the helm of Stourbridge Volkswagen, part of Trust Group UK, after successfully managing its Redditch site for three years.

The 44-year-old brings with him over 22 years’ of automotive sales and managerial experience from both the car and motorcycle industry.

Simon’s new role will see him strengthen the group’s largest Volkswagen site by enhancing its service for customers.

Speaking of his appointment, Simon, said: “The Stourbridge site offers great facilities for customers and staff. It features a 10 car showroom, is used as a pilot site for Volkswagen servicing initiatives and has a 25 per cent larger workshop, compared to our other outlets.

“I am looking forward to the fresh challenge and leading the Stourbridge team to new successes.”

Andrew Hockedy, managing director of Trust Group UK, is delighted to welcome Simon to the Stourbridge site.

He said: “Having worked with Simon for a number of years we are more than confident that his dedication and expertise with help grow the Stourbridge business.”

Motoring group rewards its customers

A West Midlands motor group has launched a new loyalty scheme giving customers free MOT’s tests for life.

Trust Group UK, which manages three Volkswagen sites in Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and Redditch, has introduced ‘rewards’ as a way of saying thank you to all its existing and future customers.

The free-to-join scheme gives customers a range of complimentary services such as, MOT tests for life, an annual valet, tyre and fluid level checks and discounts on vehicle accessories.

In addition members can also receive ‘rewardsPLUS’ vouchers as part of the friends referral element. These vouchers can be exchanged for a range of experience days including track days and hot air balloon rides.

“It’s all about giving something back,” said, Andrew Hockedy, Managing Director of the Volkswagen sites.

“We value each and every one of our customers and we wanted to launch a scheme that offered true value.

“All new customers automatically become members and early feedback shows it has been well received by our existing customers.”

Customers are required to book an annual service to be entitled to the ‘rewards’ benefits.

All members are asked to complete a registration form from one of the Volkswagen sites to receive the introductory rewards voucher pack.

For further information please contact your closest retailer, Wolverhampton Volkswagen on 01902 454602, Stourbridge Volkswagen on 01384 397600 or Redditch Volkswagen on 01527 883300 and ask for Tina Croot, Customer Services Manager.