Honda toasts the class of 2009
Solomon Jarra from Slough joined 93 fellow apprentice graduates from Honda (UK)’s car, motorcycle and power equipment business areas last week, taking to the stage to receive his certificate confirming successful completion of Honda’s acclaimed UK apprenticeship programme.
The Class of 2009 were awarded their scrolls by Ken Keir – a former Honda apprentice and now Managing Director of Honda (UK) and Vice President of Honda Motor Europe – at the Honda Institute in Colnbrook.
Solomon Jarra, who works for Johnsons Honda in Slough, commented: “It feels great to have graduated – I’ve worked hard to achieve this. The support and guidance I’ve had along the way from my colleagues at Johnsons Honda and also from the trainers at the Institute has been fantastic - they’ve been behind me all the way.
“I’m not stopping here though – I want to go on to become a Master Technician and there’s another few years of training to go through to get there.”
Additionally, of the 94 apprentices graduating this year, 22 were the first to complete ‘The Honda Challenge’; a structured curriculum running alongside the apprenticeship programme, designed to help prepare apprentices for life in business and society. Throughout the course, apprentices learn the history and philosophy of Honda as well as the importance of looking after customers and the environment. On a personal front, apprentices learn first aid skills, how to be a responsible road user and personal finance awareness. Further to this, Guidance and advice is also given on key challenges for young people such as substance awareness and equality, diversity and citizenship.
Special Awards were also presented to apprentice graduates in each of four categories (Lawn and Garden, Motorcycle and ATV, Parts and Cars) who excelled in their field. In addition, an ‘Outstanding Apprentice of the Year’ Award was presented to John Couldrige – a graduate who also beat off hundreds of other young technicians from around the UK to win the 2009 Skillauto Award as part of the UK Skills competition.
“I’ve wanted to work with cars since I was a little boy,” says John who works at Inchcape Honda in Romford, Essex. “The encouragement and training I’ve been given by my colleagues and Service Manager, as well as the guidance from the trainers at the Institute has been outstanding. They’ve all really helped me to realise my potential and given me a firm foundation for my future. It’s not just about spanners and manuals – I’ve been shown that if you put a lot in, you get a lot back. So, if you believe in yourself and work hard, anything’s achievable. “
The Honda Apprenticeship Programme takes place over two years for Lawn and Garden, Parts Operations and Marine; and three years for Car and Motorcycle/ATV. During this time apprentices are employed by their local Honda dealership and attend block training at the Honda Institute working on products within one of the five divisions. Qualified apprentice graduates achieve NVQ Level Two for Lawn & Garden, Parts Operations and Marine; and NVQ Level Three for Cars and Motorcycle/ATV.
Neil Fletcher, Head of the Honda Institute comments: “Solomon is among the best prepared apprentices of any industry in the UK. He has learned all he needs to in terms of technical excellence and with the introduction of The Honda Challenge, hopefully he’s learned some really valuable life skills as well.
“They’ve worked enormously hard and have given themselves every chance to succeed with skills that will be valued as they pursue their careers in the future.”
The Honda Institute was opened in 2001, and is the home of people development for Honda in the UK. Working with sector skills and industry bodies, the Honda Institute provides a measurable contribution to business performance. Some 10,000 people are employed in Honda dealer networks, and the Institute delivers approximately 25,000 days worth of training every year.
