Audi Invests in the Future by Celebrating the Apprentice

Audi UK aims to boost annual intake to its apprenticeship programme to nurture even more untapped talent

AUTO CENTRAL, UK -- Sept. 17, 2014: Number of apprentice opportunities within Audi UK more than doubles Two and three-year schemes offer formal on-the-job training and NVQ Level 3 qualifications Exciting and varied roles available including Service Technician, Service Advisor and Parts Advisor As part of its continual focus on identifying and cultivating the very best talent in the automotive segment, Audi is aiming to increase the annual intake into its highly successful UK apprenticeship programme. The programme enables passionate and enthusiastic young people who are eager to start a career in the UK car industry to attain formal qualifications while also gaining valuable business experience through extensive on-the-job training at an Audi Centre in the UK.

Already this year, a total of 251 vacancies have been created in the Audi Advanced Apprenticeship Programme, an increase of over 100 placement opportunities compared with 2013 and more than double the number of enrolments in both 2011 and 2012. Last year, the 150 openings made available were filled with promising future talent, and in 2015 the Vorsprung durch Technik brand hopes to comfortably exceed this intake.

Audi UK offers three different full-time employment courses that cover the core skills of the business: Service Technician, Service Advisor and Parts Advisor. Each apprentice is employed on a full-time basis at an Audi Centre and given consistent mentoring as well as individual responsibilities and tasks tailored to their role. For Service Technicians, this involves taking ownership of the maintenance and repair of Audi vehicles using the latest tools and technology.

Routine servicing to complete component overhaul form part of the industry-recognised skills that are put into practice every day. Parts and Service Advisor roles also forge and maintain relationships between Audi customers and Centre staff and, as the first point of call, they serve as key exponents of the Audi brand values. These roles ensure the best customer service is delivered in every situation – the vital lifeblood of the brand’s ongoing strategy.

Key assessments and intensive training also form the basis of each programme and upon completion, each apprentice gains a NVQ Level 2 progressing to Level 3 as well as an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Technical Certificate and other relevant completion certificates. Personal development and career progression within Audi is actively encouraged, and through continued hard work candidates have the potential to work their way up to Master Technician or even Head of Business (Audi Centre Director) status.

Detailing just how important young talent is for the continued success of the brand, Head of Customer Quality and Network Development Jason Cranswick said: "It’s about us finding, developing and keeping the very best people with both the skill and the will to perform in the leading premium brand way. If we were a premiership sports team we would have the true focus on our youth academy. The Audi Apprentice Programme is our youth academy. The programme nurtures true fans of the brand who can deliver an outstanding customer experience now and in the future."

To find out more and apply online at any time, prospective candidates can visit Audi Uk Apprenticeships .