Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has kickstarted the search for its next generation of Technicians, Parts Advisors and Service Advisors to mark National Apprenticeship Week after its current crop recorded the highest pass rate ever.
While England saw the number of people starting apprenticeships fall last year to a seven-year low (Apprenticeship Statistics: England, February 2019), the brand bucked the trend and recruited a record 46 apprentices in 2018.
Boasting a 95 per cent pass rate in 2018, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is once again encouraging the best young talent to sign up for its 2019/20 Advanced Apprenticeship Programme, which offers on-the-job practical training, formal qualifications and work experience at one of its dedicated Van Centres or Authorised Repairers.
With its industry-leading Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes providing a base for the 12-week classroom-based learning completed over three years, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has one of the most comprehensive apprentice programmes in the industry.
The introduction of the government apprenticeship levy three years ago saw the age restrictions around apprenticeships removed, so anyone of any age is now eligible to apply. The scheme is designed to train the next generation of Technicians and Parts and Service Advisors, offering the choice of a two or three year apprenticeship (two for Parts and Service Advisors and three for Technicians).
Last year’s Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Apprentice of the Year, Hannah Mills, said: “My words of advice for someone looking into an apprenticeship would be to just go for it really. I’ve really enjoyed it so I think you would as well. I always try my best at whatever I do.”
Interviews begin this month for candidates who have achieved, or are on target to achieve GCSE grade A-C (new grades 9-4) in English, Maths and Science, to join the programme. On completing the course, apprentices will gain VCQ/VRQ Level 3, an IMI Technical Certificate, an Advanced Apprenticeship Completion Certificate and Key and Core Skills Certificates relevant to their specialist area.
Erica Belsom, People Development Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to access a varied and rewarding job. Our scheme has been a huge success since its inception, producing some fantastic engineers to work at our Van Centres, looking after our customers and their vehicles. We want young people to start thinking now about their plans for the coming year and what a great opportunity it could be for them to get involved with the apprenticeship scheme and what it has to offer.”
For more information on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Apprenticeship Programme, please visit http://www.volkswagencv-apprenticeships.co.uk/.
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
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