Volkswagen Group
Business Need
Volkswagen's Advanced Apprenticeship Programme is designed to train and develop their apprentices to keep pace with advancing technology and high levels of customer service. As part of their apprenticeship, every apprentice is encouraged to demonstrate initiative and to contribute his or her own ideas for improving customer service or developing the business.
Volkswagen Group UK have worked in partnership with Outward Bound since 2005 to deliver a programme that helps their apprentices to achieve this objective by:
- Building awareness of their importance in delivering exceptional customer service and the customer’s importance to business and brand
- Taking ownership of their own development
Measurable success
Volkswagen have seen an increase in apprentice retention throughout the duration of their Outward Bound programme.
Analysis also shows that:
- 85% of apprentices improve their customer awareness
- 97% improve their self-confidence and teamworking capability
SENDING OUR APPRENTICES ON AN OUTWARD BOUND COURSE IS THE MOST IMPACTFUL WAY OF GETTING them TO DELIVER EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND UNDERSTAND HOW OUR CUSTOMERS THINK AND RESPOND.
Richard Welch, Aftersales Training and Development Manager, Volkswagen GroupHow we achieve this
The apprentices attend a week long residential programme, designed to develop the key behaviours relevant to the customer focussed approach of the Volkswagen Group UK.
Our programme incorporates a range of outdoor challenges that build in complexity during the week, to give them experience of, and build their confidence in the planning and preparation of tasks. With a focus at all times on the customer, the apprentices learn how to develop the behaviours that will impact on the customer's satisfaction and exceed their expectations. After each activity the apprentices participate in a facilitated reflection session to review their experience and define action points for excelling in customer service on return to the workplace.
About Volkswagen Group UK
One in every five cars sold in the UK is made by Volkswagen Group. Their brands include Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Å KODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. They are a customer-focused operation whose people have a passion for what they do, a genuine desire to go further for customers and to give their own careers real momentum at the same time.
Develop your apprentices with Outward Bound
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