Audi UK shows support to apprenticeships

Posted on 18 Sep 2014 by The Manufacturer
Manufacturers have a history of trouble with the authorities. BAE Systems paid a £288m fine to authorities in the US and the UK after accepting a charge of false statements and accounting practices, notably over deals with Saudi Arabia and Tanzania. Photography by Kelly B.

Audi UK aims to boost annual intake to its apprenticeship programme in a bid to encourage talented individuals

  • 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

The German automotive manufacturer is aiming to increase the annual intake into its UK apprenticeship programme.

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.

The programme enables young people who are wanting to start a career in the UK car industry to attain formal qualifications while also gaining business experience through on-the-job training at an Audi Centre in the UK.

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.

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.”