Volkswagen has opened up it's 2016 Apprenticeship scheme, so if you're interested, apply now.

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launches 2016 apprenticeship applications 
• Comprehensive programme offers mix of class-based and on-the-job training
• Open to 16 to 24 year olds; choice of disciplines to appeal to a variety of applicants
• Apply online via www.volkswagencv-apprenticeships.co.uk website

As the summer school term and exam season approaches, many young people’s thoughts will start to turn to what career route they will take in September.  

For those looking for a career in retail or engineering, a great starting point could be an apprenticeship, and – to that end – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has now launched its annual search for the next crop of talented young individuals to join the Volkswagen Advanced Apprenticeship Programme.

Designed to train the next generation of Parts and Service Advisors and Technicians, the scheme offers the chance of a two or three-year apprenticeship (two for Parts and Service Advisors and three for Technicians) at one of Volkswagen’s dedicated Van Centres or Authorised Repairers. Open to candidates aged between 16 and 24 years old, the comprehensive apprenticeship programme provides the selected trainees with an exciting and challenging opportunity.

On-the-job training equips the apprentices with the knowledge and experience to achieve a series of formal qualifications while in full-time employment. On completing the course, apprentices will gain VCQ/VRQ Level 3, an IMI Technical Certificate, an Advanced Apprentice-ship Completion Certificate and Key and Core Skills Certificates relevant to their specialist area.

Class-based training takes place at the Volkswagen Group’s state-of-the-art dedicated National Training Centre in Milton Keynes. Training is delivered in one-week blocks throughout the programme and equips the trainees with the knowledge and skills to keep pace with the latest technological advances as well as providing the very best levels of customer service.

Employing 883 apprentices across the Volkswagen Group and its associated brands, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles currently employs 90 of these within its 96 Van Centres and Authorised Repairers across the UK. The next crop of apprentices will be recruited during the next few months, with applicants able to apply online via the Volkswagen apprentice website. 

Erica Belsom, People Development Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “Our apprentice programme continues to be hugely popular with all of our Van Centres taking part in the scheme. Applications are now open and the website is live for applicants to complete the simple online form.

“The scheme offers a great opportunity for those wanting to learn a trade whilst getting paid, learning not only technical skills but also the importance of customer focus, team work and problem solving. Throughout their time on the programme, our apprentices work alongside experienced personnel, learning valuable knowledge and skills to help them in developing their future careers.”