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.”

Twickenham business receives government training boost

A Twickenham business has introduced a new government-funded apprentice training programme aimed at strengthening its customer service.

Twickenham Volkswagen, in association with the Learning Skills Partnership, has launched a course to introduce new talent into the automotive industry and enhance its offering.

Mikkia Glean-Lewis, from Strawberry Hill, accepted the new customer host role and will begin a six month intensive training programme, resulting in a NVQ Level 2 customer service qualification.

The 18-year-old successfully completed an assessment day which included group exercises and an individual presentation in front of a panel of Inchcape managers and representatives from the Learning Skills Partnership, in addition to a one-to-one interview.

Speaking of her appointment, Mikkia, added: “I had recently completed a business finance administration course at college and decided an apprenticeship would be the ideally opportunity to start building my business skills.

“The interview process was very nerve wracking but I am delighted to have secured the position.

“I’m looking at increasing my product knowledge and help provide customers with the highest level of service.”

The dedicated role was launched following customer feedback. The training programme covers all customer facing skills including body language and problem solving plus in-depth product knowledge.

Volkswagen passenger cars is carrying out a pilot scheme with the Learning Skills Partnership across a number of sites in the UK as course co-ordinator, Lee Wilks explains.

He said: “The on-going pilot scheme has shown promise and will be fully assessed in the near future. We hope the government-funded programme will continue and introduce further customer host roles across the Volkswagen network.”

Twickenham Volkswagen’s brand manager, Mark Foulston, said: “This new role is not about selling its more about being the first point of contact for customers, ensuring their experience is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“This role is introducing new blood into the industry and therefore a clear training framework will help nurture and develop Mikkia’s skills; after all she could be one of our future managers.”