A Kings Heath technician has been nationally recognised for his expertise after beating 258 candidates to claim second place in an Apprentice of the Year award.
Steve Worrall was awarded the Commercial Vehicle and Volkswagen Group title after achieving consistently high grades throughout his three-year apprenticeship.
The 19-year-old joined Birmingham Van Centre in 2010 and completed an intensive training programme as Volkswagen Group Network Coach, Graham Griffiths, explained.
Graham said: “The apprentices are closely monitored throughout the process and undergo regular written and practical exams in addition to understanding the Group’s brand values. It is not an easy ride and requires a lot of hard work and determination.
“Steve has been a complete pleasure to train. His easy-going approach, eagerness to learn and willingness to support his colleagues has definitely contributed to his final outcome, he truly deserves to be a fully qualified Volkswagen technician.”
Steve added: “I was surprised and really pleased to be the runner-up. I love my job and I’m so grateful that Birmingham Van Centre has supported me.”
The Birmingham business believes it is important to invest in the future with six of its workshop team of eight beginning their career on the Volkswagen Audi Group training programme.
Birmingham Volkswagen Van Centre’s Aftersales Manager, Neil Cook, said: “We aim to bring young new blood into the industry and therefore we feel there needs to be a clear training framework to help nurture and develop the right skills of these individuals. After all, they are our experts of the future.
“We have always been delighted with the calibre or our apprentices and Steve has also done us proud.
“The Volkswagen Group scheme has a proven and successful track record in developing our apprentices; Graham deserves particular credit for his expertise as our mentor. We will be looking to recruit a new apprentice later this year to continue our fine tradition.”
For more information about career opportunities at Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham click here.