New training initiative from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Recognising the importance of customer service in its success, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced a new training initiative – the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Academy. The Academy has been established to ensure every member of staff throughout the national Volkswagen Van Centre network has the training, skills and motivation to deliver the highest possible level of service.

The majority of courses will be available at the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre (NLC) in Milton Keynes. Offering superb training facilities, the NLC is equipped with the latest visual training aids and computer technology, and provides a positive learning environment that allows people to try out new ideas.

Van Centre technicians will work towards the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), while an Advanced Apprenticeship Programme for Service and Parts is available for young people looking for a different type of motor industry career with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Furthermore, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is currently in the process of developing qualification routes for management, sales, aftersales and administrative staff from the Van Centre network.

Academy Manager, Fiona Baldwin, said: ‘The courses have been devised to provide a structured development and training programme to meet the specific requirements of the individual. We are confident the training will result in a level of customer service unparalleled in the commercial vehicle sector.’

By the end of the year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles hopes to have assessed every employee from its network of over 70 Van Centres, whatever their role, identifying areas where training is required and then providing a personal development plan. Each individual’s performance and progress will be closely monitored to ensure they are getting the relevant training for the role they perform.

The Academy will regularly review its courses and training programmes, updating content when necessary to adapt to market changes, new technology and network requirements. This ongoing process will ensure Van Centre staff will be equipped with the correct skills and knowledge they need to deliver a highly professional service.

Efficiency, expertise and professionalism have always been at the centre of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ approach to customer service, and the Academy will play an important role in seeing these values are maintained.