TOP TECHNICIAN REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

A West Cumbrian technician is celebrating reaching the top of his profession after qualifying from a national programme.

Joseph Hyslop recently gained his master technician status after working his way through the Volkswagen Academy training programme.

The 60-year-old is one of the most experienced technicians in the UK and has spent all his working life in the motor industry, 33 of which have been at Walkingshaw Volkswagen in Workington.



Now one of the UK’s top Volkswagen technicians, he will pass on his 44 years’ of experience to the Lillyhall site’s apprentice technicians.

He said: “I am over the moon to I have reached the top of my profession and it’s extremely rewarding to know I can now pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of technicians.

“I’m very grateful to Walkingshaw Volkswagen for giving me the chance to prove my worth, believing in me and for investing in my training.”

Walkingshaw Volkswagen’s brand manager, Andy Walkingshaw, said: “Joseph is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.

“He’s hard working, intelligent and the apprentices at Walkingshaw are lucky to have a technician of his calibre teaching them.

“It costs approximately £100,000 for a technician to reach master technician status, but Joseph is worth every penny.”

SEEING IS BELIEVING FOR VOLKSWAGEN MOTORISTS

A Stourbridge business has launched a new service for motorists, giving visible access to its workshop area.

Stourbridge Volkswagen has quite literally removed its workshop and showroom walls enabling customers to accompany a technician as they inspect their vehicle.

The Dialogue Reception facility is encased in a glass frame, for customers’ safety, and provides added reassurance enabling clear access to view cars whilst on vehicle ramps.

Every vehicle that visits the Stourbridge Volkswagen site in Audnam receives a complimentary 34-point express visual check. Customers now have the opportunity to escort technician, Vince Baker, during this service providing a greater insight into the car’s condition and helping to build a strong relationship between the driver and technician.

The pilot service has cost £70,000 to install, and if successful, may be rolled out across the Volkswagen UK dealer network.

Nigel White, Finance Director of Trust Group UK, said: “We are delighted to be trialling this new concept for Volkswagen UK as we believe it is a service customers have wanted for some time.

“The new service brings complete transparency and certainly helps to strengthen customer confidence and trust in us as their local Volkswagen specialist.

“We invest thousands of pounds every year into Volkswagen technical training as well as on specialist diagnostic equipment. This new service is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise.”

Steve Bishop, service manager at Stourbridge Volkswagen, concluded: “We have already received a number of positive comments from customers who appreciate having Vince on hand to speak to about their motoring concerns.”

To take advantage of the new Dialogue Reception facility customers are requested to book their vehicles in for the Express Visual Check by calling 01384 397600.

Alternatively, customers can drop in to the retailer and ask for Steve Bishop, who will be happy to demonstrate the service.

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