Showing posts with label apprentice training programme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apprentice training programme. Show all posts

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Telford business receives government training boost

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

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

Amy Swingler, from Trench, 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, Amy added: “I had recently completed my A-levels 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.”

The dedicated role was launched following customers 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.”

Inchcape Telford’s brand manager, Andy Poole, 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 Amy’s skills; after all she could be one of our future managers.”






Wednesday, 16 March 2011

DOUBLE BUSINESS BOOST FOR CANTERBURY RETAILER


A Canterbury retailer has boosted its business by appointing a new service manager and a new apprentice technician.

EuroCanterbury Volkswagen has welcomed college leaver, Charlie Alexander, and experienced service manager David Bryen.

Charlie Alexander (17), from Ramsgate, studied mechanics at Thanet College and applied for the apprentice position, after seeing it advertised on the Volkswagen website.

Speaking of his appointment, Charlie said: “I didn’t expect to get invited for an interview but was thrilled when I did because this is my ideal job.

“I’ve always wanted to work with cars and could not believe it when I was offered the job.

“My aim is to become a master technician, ideally with Volkswagen as it’s such a prestigious brand.”

David (43) has 26 years of automotive industry experience and worked across the south east for different automotive brands.

Like Charlie, David started his career as an apprentice, before working his way up the career ladder to service manager.

David said “I’m looking forward to working with all the staff at EuroCanterbury Volkswagen and passing on my knowledge to apprentices like Charlie.”

EuroCanterbury’s brand manager, Kevin Taunton, said: “We are thrilled to welcome David and Charlie to our team.

“I’m sure David will be able to pass on his expertise to all our technicians.

“They both will be great assets to EuroCanterbury’s customers.”

Thursday, 18 November 2010

DERBY BUSINESS LAUNCHES NEW TRAINEE PROGRAMME


A Derby business has launched the success of its new apprentice training programme.

Imperial Commercials Volkswagen Van Centre received over 250 applicants for the one position as a Volkswagen sales trainee.

The programme is designed to help encourage young new talent into the automotive industry.

Megan Stamp, from Alvaston, accepted the sales trainee role and now begins an 18-month intensive training programme, which will see her experience and learn all aspects of the business.

The 19-year-old successfully completed three interviews in which she faced various managers plus a panel of employees from the Derby team, before being offered the Volkswagen position.

As one of the UK’s largest truck dealership networks, Imperial Commercials presently operates a three year apprenticeship scheme for technicians in conjunction with Derby College and was named as a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards, earlier this year.

The company believes it is vitally important to invest in the future and it’s this commitment that has led to its latest role as Matthew Lawrenson, regional director of Imperial Commercials, explained.

“Our aim is to bring young new blood into the industry and therefore we feel there needs to be a clear framework to help nurture and develop the right skills for these individuals, after all these apprentices could be our future managers.

“The series of interviews enabled various team members to be instrumental in the recruitment process. We have received very positive feedback on this style of interviewing from both Megan and our team.

“This new apprentice training programme may be still in its infancy but we have been so pleased with the response and calibre of applicants that we plan to implement it across our network.”

For further information please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.