By Faye Sunderland 13 July 2012
Kia has opened a new training academy in Ruddington, South Nottingham, through which the carmaker hopes to have at least 100 apprentices signed up to training by the end of the year.
With a programme of training already planned, the new centre will enable Kia Apprentices to become fully qualified in their chosen course. Part of the Kia Academy, which opened for business on January 1, 2012, the training centre will prove a vital part of the Korean brand’s programme of apprenticeship scheme, with courses to in both technical and non-technical domains. Previously only technical courses were previously available but now there is a full array of courses for youngsters to consider: Light Vehicle Technician, Service Advisor and Parts Advisor. For the first time in the UK, apprentices will also be able to study a combined Service and Parts Advisor course.
With 179 dealerships across the UK to serve, the Kia Academy will run up to 2,500 apprentice delegate days this year alone.
All of the apprentices will undergo an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) accredited assessment prior to completing their training. The governmentally recognised accreditation - coupled with industry leading technical trainers - means the apprentices will receive the highest quality in automotive training.
The latest Kia models will be used as part of the technical training development, meaning the apprentices will have a second-to-none knowledge on the very latest Kia technology.
Simon Hetherington, Dealer Development Director, Kia Motors UK commented, "Over the last few years Kia has experienced growth, in sales, market share and brand image and our dealer network has been changing too, with a bold new red face for Kia on the high-street."
"We recognise that the most important thing to ensure we deliver great customer experiences is our people. That is why we have invested in our new Kia Academy training centre, enabling us to deliver our latest courses to technicians, service advisors and sales consultants from all around the UK. It is also the home for our new Apprenticeship Programme, providing a great start to their careers and supporting the growth of the next generation of Kia people."
Categories: Kia
