VOLVO CARS UK APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Apprenticeships

Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true - but as an apprentice with Volvo Cars you really do get the best of both worlds.

The Volvo Cars Apprentice Programme

At Volvo Cars we believe in the power of people. If you have the dedication to succeed in the world of work, and you're not afraid to commit yourself to one, two or three years of training and study, then an Apprenticeship with us could be for you.
Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true — but as an apprentice with Volvo Cars you really do get the best of both worlds!

We offer six Apprentice Programmes at Volvo Cars; you can choose from:
• Service Technician
• Parts Advisor
• Body Repair
• Service Advisor
• Sales Support
• Dealership Assistant

Benefits and rewards

During your time on a Volvo Apprenticeship Programme you will be:
• Employed by a franchised Volvo dealership local to you
• Trained at the Volvo Cars Dealer Training & Development Centre
• Working towards a Level 2 and 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and Technical Certificate in your chosen specialism
• Awarded a 'Certificate of Apprenticeship' on completion of the framework at our Graduation event
• Upon Graduation, be invited on a trip to Sweden - the home of Volvo and visit the Volvo Cars Safety Centre
• Continue your learning to gain higher accreditation with Volvo UK

Support – every step of the way.
During the apprenticeship with Volvo you will have the support from your dedicated assessor and training instructor. Every 8-12 weeks your assessor will visit you at your place of work to monitor your progress and have a detailed discussion with you and your manager on your current performance and progression of your qualification.
Also your assessor will carry out observations of you doing set tasks based on real customers work. These observations will then be used for your portfolio to build up evidence showing your level of skills in carrying out your work.
Your training instructor will also carry out one to one reviews with you after each training block to ensure that you are on target for completing your qualification and also to make sure that you don’t have any problems at work or at The Volvo Training & development Centre which may affect your progression.

Work – Life – Study balance
Your balance of work and study depends on the type of Apprenticeship you do.
On the Volvo Cars Apprenticeship Programme you will spend between 16-21 weeks away on training over 2-3 years. The rest of the time you will be working at your employing dealer as an integral part of the team.

At the training & development centre you will gain Key Skills that will be useful on the job. For example, working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technologies.

You’ll also be studying for a technical certificate, which will give you the required knowledge and understanding of your job.

Sometimes, you may have to study at home during evenings and weekends to complete assignments or Key Skills. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies. During your weeks training it is great fun to get together with your group in the evenings to work through assignment work together as this is where so really good ideas come out.

How long will my Volvo Cars Apprenticeship take?

The time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the role. That’s because each one is different and demands different skills and levels of training and experience.
How fast it goes also depends on the ability of the apprentice and the employer's requirements. So if you prove yourself and give 100% you may qualify earlier!

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are an exciting and challenging opportunity to receive formal training and qualifications whilst in full-time employment, picking up recognised qualifications as you go.
You learn on the job from experienced colleagues to gain job-specific skills. In addition, apprentices attend a college or specialist training organisation to work towards a nationally recognised professional qualification in their chosen career path.
The final award for completing an apprenticeship consists of a National Vocational or a Vocational Competence Qualification (NVQ/VCQ) that you complete through gaining experience and providing evidence at your place of work.

Key benefits of an Apprenticeship:
• earn a salary
• get paid holidays
• receive training
• gain qualifications
• learn job-specific skills
So, essentially Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn.
And - employers really value Apprenticeships. They know if you've got one that you’ll have the skills they need, and as a result your career could progress rapidly.

Who can apply?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales are over 16 and not in full time education you can apply. Each Apprenticeship takes between one and four years to complete and cover 1,200 job roles in a wide range of industries.

Volvo Apprentice Schemes - Entry Requirements

To apply for any of our apprentice schemes you should:
• Be aged 16+
• Have GCSE Grade C or above for Maths, English and Science Scottish Certificate of Education Standard 3 or above
• Be able to complete simple aptitude tests
• Have a passion for the automotive industry
• Be committed to complete a 1 to 3 year programme (depending on job role)
• Be prepared to spend time away from home during training courses at the Volvo Dealer Training & development Centre
• Be keen to learn and pursue further qualifications


Qualities you need

To be employed as an Apprentice, you’ll have to show you’re serious, committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the Volvo Cars dealer who may employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and as an individual, and be able to use your own initiative in putting your skills to good use.

It can be demanding, but they can also be very, very rewarding. This is especially the case if you enjoy working in a high energy and team orientated environment.
And don’t forget, while you are learning new exciting skills you will be a fully paid employee working your way up to become fully qualified in your chosen career path with your employing Volvo Cars dealer.


What’s expected of you?

You have to show dedication and a professional attitude. You will be expected to keep to normal working hours with your employer to earn your wages. You'll also need to concentrate when you are given on-the-job training. This allows you to achieve National Vocational or Vocational Competence Qualifications (NVQ or VCQ's), and you must ensure that you fill in all the relevant paperwork for this.
You’re also expected to spend time at the Volvo Dealer Training & Development Centre, usually on a residential basis, to gain Key Skills or Functional Skills, and to study for a technical certificate.

You need a lot of commitment to work all week and study on top of this. It can be hard, but it can be very rewarding. But remember, you will be with your group of apprentices so you can all work as a close team to support each other.

Benefits of the Volvo Apprentice Programmes:
• The programme is fully paid for by Volvo Cars and its dealers (No qualification, training or accommodation fees for you)
• Full time employment at an authorised Volvo dealership
• Block release training at Volvo Cars dedicated Dealer Training & Development Centre plus continual assessment at the dealership
• Working exclusively with Volvo Cars’ literature and tools
• A nationally recognised qualification after two to three years
• A very bright future with our team and much more!

When you complete an Apprenticeship with Volvo Cars, you’ll be able to show your employer that you have skills, qualifications and dedication to succeed.

There’s also the opportunity to progress on to higher level programmes, either part time or full time with your employer's help and support. This can include working towards being a Master Technician which is the highest grade of technician within the Volvo Cars dealer network or progressing into supervisory roles.

You will also have the opportunity to join professional bodies such as the IMI (Institute Motor Industry) and complete the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA).