Customer Advisor Apprentice - Level 2 – Amber Stanford
Why did you want to get into the automotive industry in the first place?
I got into the automotive trade for a new challenge, I had previously been in the hospitality industry for 6 years and had a keen interest in cars so decided to go for it! I applied through Indeed and got a call to come in for a recruitment day with other people for the apprenticeship. We were doing different tasks to see if I’m suited to the job . After I got a phone call to come down for an interview at Volvo with the aftersales manager telling what they expect and what I’ll be doing.
What were your first thoughts when you arrived at the Volvo Training & Development Centre for the first time?
My first thoughts of the training centre were that it’s very welcoming especially the people that work there and reminded me of where I work. It was a calm environment and seeing the historic Volvo in the middle of the training centre was really cool.
What about your learning outside of the training centre?
I’ve learnt a lot outside of the training centre getting stuck in with the job having people around me being supportive and helpful with anything I’m not sure to help me learn and grow as a service advisor. Especially being able to look at the vehicles on the ramp and have technicians going through the faults I’m not sure on to relay back to the customers.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
I would 100% recommend the apprenticeship, learning new things every day and meeting new people with different experiences and knowledge.
Business Administrator – Evie Butler
Why did you want to get into the automotive industry in the first place?
I never had my heart set on the automotive industry in particular but when I saw the job description of the Apprenticeship at Volvo, it ticked every box I had when it came to choosing where I wanted to start my career. Working for one of the biggest automotive companies was definitely enticing too!
Tell us about the application process.
I was forwarded the link to the job by my Dad who worked for Volvo Sweden at the time. I initially sent in my application and cover letter to the job application portal. I was then asked to complete a filmed interview with someone who worked in the recruitment department. This consisted of basic interview questions e.g. why do you think you would be the best person for this role? I then had to complete some character questionnaires before I had my formal interview with my manager Kristen Lloyd. I thought the application process was extremely smooth and luckily I ended up with the offer to start the role!
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
I would definitely recommend this apprenticeship to others. My coach was extremely supportive throughout the whole course and was there to help if and when I needed it. The in-person and online training courses were full of information and allowed me to collaborate with other apprentices. I didn’t have a single negative point through the entire duration of my apprenticeship and enjoyed all of it!
What are your plans for the future?
I recently secured a permanent role at Volvo Cars UK and I absolutely love it! I have such a great relationship with my manager and am part of an amazing team. I hope to stay at Volvo Cars UK for the foreseeable future, the company is better than I ever imagined. Their values are really important, and they truly are making a change in the world – I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it.
Parent and Guardian Advice & Guidance
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job in which you receive training. Apprentices benefit from working alongside those already experienced in the industry and gain relevant knowledge and skills, as well as a formal qualification, to help them succeed in their chosen career.
Apprentices are paid a wage and are entitled to the same benefits as their colleagues, such as holiday and sick pay. The employer will take on the costs of the Apprentices’ learning (including travel, accommodation and food when at training sessions); meaning no student debt!
Our training includes Development Coaches visiting the Apprentice in their place of work to coach, support and assess them. Some of our training is delivered on a ‘block release’ basis, where the Apprentice comes to our purpose-built Training & Development Centre, in Daventry. This can range anywhere from 1 to 3 days every other month or two. During their time away they will continue to be paid and they will undertake practical work and classroom based learning with our team of experienced Trainers & Coaches alongside other apprentices from all over the UK.
At what level will the apprenticeship delivered?
Apprentices will work toward varying levels of qualification depending on their chosen specialism.
Intermediate Level (or Level 2) Apprenticeships are equivalent to 5 GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C). Advanced Level (or Level 3) Apprenticeships are equivalent to 2 A Levels. Higher Level (Level 4 or 5) Apprenticeships are equivalent to a Foundation Degree.
All Volvo Programmes ensure that learners achieve a transferable qualification, that is recognised across the motor industry and which allows them to operate at a professional level. After the apprenticeship, and if a learner continues their career with us, they can continue their study within their chosen field of expertise.
Who can apply?
Our apprenticeships are open to anyone who is:
- Aged 16 or over by the end of the school summer holidays
- Living in the UK
- Not in full-time education
Entry Requirements:
Age: 16+
Prior Attainment: GCSE (or equivalent) grade A*-C or 9-4 in Maths and English. Predicated grades are accepted.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve National 4 or above in English and Maths and either a Science or Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates are also accepted.
‘Equivalent’ grades include:
- BTEC first diplomas and certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills Level 2
- NVQs
- Essential Skills (Wales)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Core Skills (Scotland)
Important facts:
- All our colleagues and trainers within The Training & Development Centre and those based remotely are DBS checked as well as being Safeguarding Prevent trained.
- All Volvo retailers and The Training & Development Centre workplaces are health and safety checked before placing an Apprentice on site.
- Accommodation provided to learners during Block Training is approved by The Stellantis Apprenticeship Programme.
How long will my child work?
As per the law for all workers, an apprentice works a minimum of 30 hours a week and a maximum of 48 hours, or 40 for those who are under 18. This includes any time spent studying at The Volvo Training & Development Centre.
Apprentices are also entitled to at least one 20-minute break for every six hours they work, and at least 11 hours off between shifts.
In exceptional circumstances – for example, if an apprentice has caring responsibilities – part-time apprenticeships can be agreed by the employer, at a minimum of 16 hours per week.
Misconceptions about Apprenticeships
As a parent, you want what is best for your child, including the best education and start in life. Our Apprenticeship Programmes are constantly being developed and adapted to make sure our apprentices have the best start when entering the world of work. Below you will find some common misinformation about apprenticeships that we have set right.
Apprenticeships are only for the building and construction trades – and in the automotive sector they’re only for Technicians/Mechanics
The reality is, schemes are now available in a wide range of industries and specialisms. Young people today can choose to do an apprenticeship in almost anything, including aerospace engineering, banking, law, teaching and fashion. The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy has given employers of all sizes a huge incentive to unearth future talent amongst school and college leavers.
Volvo offer apprenticeships in roles including Business Administration, Sales, Customer Services and Parts Advisor.
An Apprenticeship is not a proper job, it’s only work experience
The reality is, Apprentices are given a lot of responsibility, the work alongside professionals to ensure they are learning the correct skills. Apprentices must cover a wide range of tasks in order to successfully complete the programme. Their employer is obliged to give them practical and relevant work that supports their professional development, ensuring they come out work ready. For employers, apprenticeships are also a way of bringing fresh talent into the company and training them their way. It is therefore in their interest to ensure the skills their apprentices learn are the ones they need to succeed in the industry. It wouldn’t make sense to give them work that had little value to the business.
Apprentices are financially worse off
In reality, each scheme offers school and college leavers the chance to kickstart their career, without the debt incurred by going to university. All apprentices are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for the first year of their apprenticeship and then increasing to the National Minimum Wage for their age for the remainder of their time on the apprenticeship. Many companies pay more in order to attract the best candidates.
Apprenticeships are for underachievers
In reality, a lot of higher achieving students are skipping college and university to head straight into their chosen career. An apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning, and for those who are keen to get on the career ladder and start earning.
In the past couple of years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of applicants with top GCSE, and A level results. We also see plenty of applications from candidates with degree level qualifications.
Is my child guaranteed a job at the end of their apprenticeship?
With Volvo 90+% of apprentices go into work or further training after completing an apprenticeship, with almost all of those staying with the same employer. In order to address skills shortages in the UK economy, the government has empowered employers to develop their own apprenticeship standards and qualifications.
As such, each scheme is designed to mould young people into highly employable professionals by equipping them with industry-relevant skills.
So, whilst there is no legal obligation to offer them a job, if an apprentice performs well in their role, it is likely the employer will really want them to stay on as a permanent employee. After all, they’ve invested a lot of time, effort and money into them.
How to find our apprenticeship vacancies?
We advertise all our vacancies on the Government Website, Indeed and the Volvo Apprenticeships Website. Or why not walk into a Volvo Retailer with your CV, contact details and enquire if there are any roles available, a great way to put yourself forward.
Information for Employers
Working together to develop the next generation of talent
Fully funded* industry recognised and brand accredited learning for new and existing employees
This guide has been developed for employers to support their understanding of the Apprenticeship Programme and includes essential information relating to Funding, Qualifications, and Recruitment.
The Apprenticeship Programme supports retailers to identify and attract a new generation of talent, providing them with the platform to grow their professional careers.
We combine industry recognised qualifications and manufacturer accreditation over 12-40 months, ensuring that apprentices develop the skills, bahvaviours and competencies to thrive in a busy and professional retail environment.
We offer 8 different learning pathways covering technical and commercial roles. Each one can be structured to suit new industry entrants, or semi-experienced staff.
Each one of our programmes is eligable for up to 100% Government or Levy funding and we aim to support employers to understand this process.
We’re also on hand to support employers to advertise, employ and enrol via our free recruitment service. Read on for more information.
What Apprenticeships do we offer?
There are 8 different apprenticeship pathways covering every retailer specialism. Each programme is linked to a professional qualification and brand accreditation, while all of our programmes are eligable for Govenment and Apprenticeship Levy Funding.
- Service Technician | Level 2 & 3
- Digital Marketer | Level 3
- Service Customer Advisor | Level 2 & 3
- Parts Customer Advisor | Level 2
- Business Administration | Level 3
- Sales Executive | Level 2
- Damage Panel (or Paint) Technician | Level 3
- Team Leader & Supervisor | Level 3
For more information about our programmes, FAQs, and funding infomration, please download our programme brochure below, or keep reading.
Programme Pathways
There are 8 different apprenticeship pathways available. Each has been carefully developed to combine a professional training with the latest brand and industry learning.
All of our programmes are eligable for Government or Apprenticeship Levy funding.
For a high level overview of each programme please download the Programme Pathways Overview PDF (below).
Apprenticeship Funding Explained
We want to help you access government funding to expand your workforce through recruiting an apprentice, or enroling your existing staff onto our professional courses (eg. Leadership & Supervisor, Digital Marketing, or any of our Apprenticeship pathways)
If your annual wage bill is over £3million, the cost of training will be funded by the funds in your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account. These funds already build automatically and will be organised by your central payroll function.
If your annual wage bill does not exceed £3million, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provide 95-100% funding for the cost of training, subject to the size of your business.
How do I know if my business is eligable for 100% funding?
- If your annual wage bill is less than £3million and you have less than 50 employees you will be eligible for 100% funding for individuals aged 16-18 or 95% funding for individuals aged 19+, you will be required to fund the remaining 5% in installments (this is usually a token amount)
- If your annual wage bill is less than £3million and you have more than 50 employees you will be eligible for 95% funding for individuals aged 16+, you will be required to contribute the remaining 5%.
Employers can also access £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who join their organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.
The incentive payment is in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring an apprentice:
- aged 16 to 18 years old
- under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority
The payments are different to apprenticeship levy funds, so you can spend it on anything to support your organisation’s costs. For example, on uniforms, your apprentice’s travel or their salary. You do not have to pay it back.
We’ll discuss the eligibility criteria and timelines with you in more detail prior to your apprentice’s enrolment. For more information about funding, please use the link below.
There's never been a better time to invest in new skills for your business.
Access upto £15,000* in funding to support the training and development of your new apprentice. For more information, please contact us today.
Free Recruitment Support Service
Take advantage of our free recruitment support service and register a vacancy today.
The team will work with you to advertise on a range of National Apprenitceship Job Boards – including apprenticeships.gov.uk. They’ll manage all of the initial applications on your behalf and will run eligability and suitability assessments to ensure that you see the very best candidates.
Vehicle Damage Paint Technician
Job Role
A Vehicle Damage Paint Technician works in the vehicle body repair sector of the motor industry. The role is to prepare, spray, and finish vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents in an efficient manner. The vehicles can include Cars/Light Commercial Vehicles. This includes ensuring the correct colour match and final finish to the company and customers’ exacting standards. This is usually within a collision repair workshop or smart repair workshop/mobile repair micro business & working alongside another fully qualified Paint Technician.
They prepare vehicles fully before painting to include masking, sanding, and other necessary preparation work.
They are also responsible for keeping all company tools and equipment safe and in a clean, workable condition paying particular attention to the reduction of any fire hazards.
Their role includes repair, surface preparation, and painting to the manufacturer paint specification. A technician is able to follow defined processes to restore the vehicle to a high-quality paint finish. This includes being able to demonstrate colour identification and select the correct materials such as primers, base coats & lacquers applied using spray equipment & utilising modern drying/curing techniques such as Ultra Violet (UV), Infrared & catalytic solutions used in the refinishing of vehicles. Create a safe environment working efficiently and reducing waste.
The duties of a Vehicle Damage Paint Technician may include:
- Using a range of tools
- Mixing & applying primers & colour coats, using spray guns & equipment.
- Polishing painted panels using the polishing machines.
- Keeping records of all completed work
We’re looking for ambitious candidates ready to take ownership of their development, work hard to achieve their potential and grow with an ambitious employer.
Future Prospects
There are lots of opportunities to develop your career; from short to long term. Your early development is carefully mapped through your Apprenticeship journey with your learning focussed toward achieving an industry recognised qualification that’s recognised across the Motor Industry.
This is the grounding for your future development within the network and opportunities exist, once qualified, to further develop your skills and to move into new roles.
Applications open all year round…
Learn More
A typical working week could be 40 hours Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm, however each of our Dealers will have different requirements.
All learners will be required to work the minimum apprenticeship duration of 30 hours per week. At least 20% of your working hours will be allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. We’ll support you to understand the working hours during the recruitment process.
All of our opportunities receive a really good response and so we’re looking for you to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. We’re not looking for the finished article; rather we want to identify those people that are ambitious and demonstrate a willingness to learn, who are excited by the prospect of working with our fantastic, technologically advanced vehicles, and really engage in the recruitment process.
We are committed to supporting our Apprentice’s technical, employability, and broader personal development skills, to ensure they can progress and develop their career. When it comes to selecting the right people to become apprentices, it’s as much about attitude as it is about vocational and academic success. That’s why in addition to the qualifications we require from you, we’ll also look for you to possess the following key behaviours. From problem-solving abilities to an enthusiasm for our industry, these are all attributes that will be vital in your role and they will be assessed throughout the application process.
- Logical and creative thinking skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
- Can use own initiative
- A thorough and organised approach
- Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
- Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
- Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment
Age: 16+
Prior Attainment: GCSE (or equivalent) grade A*-C or 9-4 in Maths and English. Predicated grades are accepted.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve National 4 or above in English and Maths and either a Science or Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates are also accepted.
‘Equivalent’ grades include:
- BTEC first diplomas and certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills Level 2
- NVQs
- Essential Skills (Wales)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Core Skills (Scotland)
Your application will be assessed by the Recruitment & Selection Team against the Entry Requirements specified for the role. We aim to update you on the status of your application within no more than 5 working days.
If you are successful in your application you will be invited to participate in a short video or telephone interview. Candidates are then shortlisted again and will be asked to complete a range of web-based assessments appropriate to the role that you have applied for.
Finally, candidates are invited to meet with their local Volvo Retailer in the form of a face-to-face interview. This may extend to a second interview and in some cases a working trial.
More information will be shared with candidates as a part of the process. Feedback is made available to candidates at each stage.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group and appointment will be based on merit alone. Being committed to equal opportunities, if you have a disability please state this during the application process. Measures will be put in place to support you through your application and apprenticeship journey.
Our Dealers dictate the remuneration that our learners receive. All Dealers are required to pay, at least, The National Minimum Wage.
More information about the minimum wage for apprentices can be found on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship.
For more information about the opportunity or to discuss your application, please contact the Recruitment and Selection team on 01235 538 611.
Service Technician – Ethan Nutt
Why did you want to get into the automotive industry in the first place?
From a young age I always knew that being in an active and hands on role was for me. I’ve always had a desire to understand how things work and cars in particular.
Tell us about the application process.
The application process was simple. Well laid out and easy to follow. The recruitment team were very polite, took care in answering my questions and generally putting my mind at ease right the way through.
Ahead of my interview with the Retailer I ensured that I prepared properly, and I would encourage anyone else who applies to do the same. I researched the brand Volvo and the Waylands Volvo Retailer Group as well as the role of being an Apprentice Service Technician. I made sure that I was well presented, ensuring that I arrived for the interview with plenty of time to spare.
I believe I was the last person to be interviewed that day, and I heard back the following day! I was so pleased!
What were your first thoughts when you arrived at the Volvo Training & Development Centre for the first time?
The center is amazing, modern, relaxed and all the staff are very helpful. The training is always well prepared and organised so all apprentices participate and get 1-2-1 support and guidance. There’s such a wide variety of equipment and facilities. It’s a safe and supportive environment.
The trainers are very helpful and provide a great level of support, regularly raising questions about your wellbeing and work back at the dealership.
What about your learning outside of the training centre?
The coursework is very thorough and detailed. It is all digital so easily stored and accessible via a laptop and phone.
In my dealership the team were very welcoming and have given me a great level of support and guidance.
Have you found any aspect of the programme especially challenging?
Some aspects of the electrical courses were tricky. However, if I’m unsure about anything the trainers are happy to go over it again so that I can develop a better understanding.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this apprenticeship to someone with similar enthusiasm for the automotive industry. It’s great to combine something I enjoy with my career.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d love to progress in my current role and perhaps into a management position at some stage in the future.
Warehouse Operative
Job Role
The role of a Warehouse Operative is to work as part of a larger team to support the efficient operation of the warehouse.
This exciting apprenticeship programme is ideal for someone who is organised, posesses great attention to detail and wants to learn more about stock management, vehicle parts, maintenance and repair. We’re seeking ambitious people who are keen to develop a long term career with an ambitious brand.
A Warehouse Operative is required to work under the guidance and supervision of a Warehouse Manager or Supervisor to ensure all stock is organised and processed efficiently.
Duties vary however usually include:
-
- Unpacking deliveries
- Checking and organising stock
- Picking orders and preparing for despatch to customers
- Following the safety procedures for the warehouse
We’re looking for ambitious candidates ready to take ownership of their development, work hard to achieve their potential and grow with an ambitious employer.
Future Prospects
There are lots of opportunities to develop your career; from short to long term. Your early development is carefully mapped through your Apprenticeship journey with your learning focussed toward achieving an industry recognised qualification that’s recognised across the Motor Industry.
This is the grounding for your future development within the network and opportunities exist, once qualified, to further develop your skills and to move into new roles.
Applications open all year round…
Learn More
A typical working week could be 40 hours Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm, however each of our Dealers will have different requirements.
All learners will be required to work the minimum apprenticeship duration of 30 hours per week. At least 20% of your working hours will be allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. We’ll support you to understand the working hours during the recruitment process.
All of our opportunities receive a really good response and so we’re looking for you to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. We’re not looking for the finished article; rather we want to identify those people that are ambitious and demonstrate a willingness to learn, who are excited by the prospect of working with our fantastic, technologically advanced vehicles and really engage in the recruitment process.
We commit to supporting the development of our Apprentice’s technical, employability and broader personal development skills, to ensure they can progress and develop their career. That is why when it comes to selecting the right people to become apprentices, it’s as much about attitude as it is about vocational and academic success. Therefore in addition to the entry qualifications we require from you, we’ll also look for you to demonstrate the following key behaviours. From problem-solving abilities to an enthusiasm for our industry, these are all attributes that will be vital in your new role and they will be assessed throughout the application process.
- Willingness to learn
- Team working / working with others
- Motivation for the role / automotive and engineering interest
- Personal responsibility and career ownership
- Problem solving
Age: 16+
Prior Attainment: GCSE (or equivalent) grade A*-C or 9-4 in Maths and English. Predicated grades are accepted.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve National 4 or above in English and Maths and either a Science or Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates are also accepted.
‘Equivalent’ grades include:
- BTEC first diplomas and certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills Level 2
- NVQs
- Essential Skills (Wales)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Core Skills (Scotland)
Your application will be assessed by the Recruitment & Selection Team against the Entry Requirements specified for the role. We aim to update you on the status of your application within no more than 5 working days.
If you are successful in your application you will be invited to participate in a short video or telephone interview. Candidates are then shortlisted again and will be asked to complete a range of web-based assessments appropriate to the role that you have applied for.
Finally candidates are invited to meet with their local Volvo Retailer in the form of a face-to-face interview. This may extend to a second interview and in some cases a working trial.
More information will be shared with candidates as a part of the process. Feedback is made available to candidates at each stage.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group and appointment will be based on merit alone. Being committed to equal opportunities, if you have a disability please state this during the application process. Measures will be put in place to support you through your application and apprenticeship journey.
Our Dealers dictate the remuneration that our learners receive. All Dealers are required to pay, at least, The National Minimum Wage.
More information about the minimum wage for apprentices can be found on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship.
For more information about the opportunity or to discuss your application, please contact the Recruitment and Selection team on 01235 538 611.
Vehicle Damage Panel Technician
Job Role
A Vehicle Damage Paint or Panel Technician works within a Body Repair workshop, demonstrating expert working knowledge in relation to the removal, repair, prep, paint and replacement of vehicle body panels to vehicle manufacturer specifications.
With motor vehicle technology changing all the time paint & panel technicians keep up to date with the most relevant equipment and advanced repair techniques within the automotive industry. They do so by adhering to the manufacturer’s literature and modification bulletins.
The equipment they use can include using jigs, resistance welding equipment, riveting and bonding tools, as well as new equipment such as Reinforced Plastic Carbon Fibre diagnostic ultrasound tools, state of the art repair principles and paint procedures to maintain Volvo’s strict safety protocols.
The duties of a Paint or Panel Damager Repair Technician may include:
- Using a range of tools
- Panel Repair & Replacement
- Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET)
- Smoothing minor dents and filling small holes or rusted areas
- Keeping records of all completed work
- Preparation & Paint
- SMART repairs and wheel refurb
We’re looking for ambitious candidates ready to take ownership of their development, work hard to achieve their potential and grow with an ambitious employer.
Future Prospects
There are lots of opportunities to develop your career; from short to long term. Your early development is carefully mapped through your Apprenticeship journey with your learning focussed toward achieving an industry recognised qualification that’s recognised across the Motor Industry.
This is the grounding for your future development within the network and opportunities exist, once qualified, to further develop your skills and to move into new roles.
Applications open all year round…
Learn More
A typical working week could be 40 hours Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm, however each of our Dealers will have different requirements.
All learners will be required to work the minimum apprenticeship duration of 30 hours per week. At least 20% of your working hours will be allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. We’ll support you to understand the working hours during the recruitment process.
All of our opportunities receive a really good response and so we’re looking for you to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. We’re not looking for the finished article; rather we want to identify those people that are ambitious and demonstrate a willingness to learn, who are excited by the prospect of working with our fantastic, technologically advanced vehicles, and really engage in the recruitment process.
We are committed to supporting our Apprentice’s technical, employability, and broader personal development skills, to ensure they can progress and develop their career. When it comes to selecting the right people to become apprentices, it’s as much about attitude as it is about vocational and academic success. That’s why in addition to the qualifications we require from you, we’ll also look for you to possess the following key behaviours. From problem-solving abilities to an enthusiasm for our industry, these are all attributes that will be vital in your role and they will be assessed throughout the application process.
- Logical and creative thinking skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
- Can use own initiative
- A thorough and organised approach
- Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
- Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
- Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment
Age: 16+
Prior Attainment: GCSE (or equivalent) grade A*-C or 9-4 in Maths and English. Predicated grades are accepted.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve National 4 or above in English and Maths and either a Science or Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates are also accepted.
‘Equivalent’ grades include:
- BTEC first diplomas and certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills Level 2
- NVQs
- Essential Skills (Wales)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Core Skills (Scotland)
Your application will be assessed by the Recruitment & Selection Team against the Entry Requirements specified for the role. We aim to update you on the status of your application within no more than 5 working days.
If you are successful in your application you will be invited to participate in a short video or telephone interview. Candidates are then shortlisted again and will be asked to complete a range of web-based assessments appropriate to the role that you have applied for.
Finally candidates are invited to meet with their local Volvo Retailer in the form of a face-to-face interview. This may extend to a second interview and in some cases a working trial.
More information will be shared with candidates as a part of the process. Feedback is made available to candidates at each stage.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group and appointment will be based on merit alone. Being committed to equal opportunities, if you have a disability please state this during the application process. Measures will be put in place to support you through your application and apprenticeship journey.
Our Dealers dictate the remuneration that our learners receive. All Dealers are required to pay, at least, The National Minimum Wage.
More information about the minimum wage for apprentices can be found on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship.
For more information about the opportunity or to discuss your application, please contact the Recruitment and Selection team on 01235 538 611.