Star Chester apprentice goes for the ride of his life

Dec 15 2008 Chester Chronicle

A NEWLY qualified service technician from Dane Volkswagen in Chester had the ride of his life at the Silverstone Racecourse to celebrate graduation as one of Volkswagen’s top UK apprentices.

Volkswagen UK recognised the hard work and achievement of Robert Dodd from Blacon by inviting him to spend a day with Volkswagen’s racing team.

Robert, 19, finished in the top ten of Volkswagen’s Apprentice of the Year competition which rewards the most exceptional trainees on the three-year course.

Robert, usually found under a car’s bonnet at Dane Volkswagen’s Sealand Road premises, joined other finalists to drive performance cars around the Silverstone track at high speed and take to the wheel of a race-prepared Volkswagen.

Dane’s brand manager, Chris McCabe, said: “Delivering outstanding customer service is out top priority and the investment we make in our staff is second to none. The Silverstone day was a reward for Robert’s exceptionally hard work during the three years.

“We are pleased that Volkswagen’s national training and development division, the Volkswagen Academy, chose to recognise their achievements in such a spectacular fashion.”

Peter Butler, Volkswagen Academy’s manager, added: “We wanted to give Robert a day to remember to recognise his achievements and dedication to the challenging three-year apprentice programme.”

Robert said: “To go to Silverstone was a brilliant experience and to be named one of the best in the country is an honour. I'm looking forward to learning more and gaining the next qualification of master technician.”