A young apprentice at Volkswagen’s Birmingham TPS centre is celebrating after being named top of her class.
Trainee parts advisor Holly James, 19, beat off stiff competition to become Volkswagen Trade Parts Specialist Apprentice of the Year 2016. She received a framed certificate from the Head of Service & Parts at Volkswagen UK, and £500 in vouchers.
Trade Parts Specialists (TPS) is part of the Volkswagen Group and has a national Network of TPS Centres. In March 2012, operations for TPS Birmingham were awarded to Trust Group UK which has Volkswagen dealerships in Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and Redditch.
A TPS apprenticeship is a nationwide scheme that offers training at Volkswagen Group’s state of the art learning facility alongside workplace ‘on the job’ practical experience at a TPS Centres, as a TPS Sales Parts Specialist.
Holly said: “I was really proud to win the award.”
Holly, from Birmingham, began the two year TPS apprenticeship after completing A’ levels at Solihull Sixth Form.
“It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision to apply – I knew I wanted an apprenticeship rather than to go to uni as learning on the job really appealed to me.
“It definitely proved the right move. There’s a good mix of on the job experience and classroom work and I really enjoyed it. Winning this award is just the icing on the cake.”
Holly was praised for her commitment, motivation, enthusiasm and effort.
Raj Momi, TPS manager for Trust Group UK, said: “Having been in Holly’s position myself 27 years ago, I understand the requirements involved and the dedication needed to achieve all Holly has accomplished.
“I am really pleased that Holly has been recognised for all of her hard work. She has proved to be a dedicated trainee with a brilliant work ethic and a real commitment to the Volkswagen brand.”
Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship can visit the company’s website at www.tps.trade/apprenticeships for further information.
The TPS Network was launched in 2007 and was the first trade operation to be totally owned and run by an automotive manufacturer.
Birmingham TPS can be found on Bracebridge Street in Aston, Birmingham and offers extensive stock and parts availablility, genuine parts, competitive pricing, customer deliveries and a commitment to customers.
PIC CAP: Holly James of Volkswagen’s Birmingham Trade Parts Specialist receives her Apprentice of the Year 2016 award at her graduation ceremony from Martin Barrow-Starkey, head of retailer learning services.