Kia is marking National Apprenticeship Week’s ‘Celebration Friday’ with inspiring apprentice stories and showcasing the talent, success, and accomplishments possible with a Kia Apprenticeship.
The Kia Academy
Kia opened the doors of its brand-new training centre, the Kia Academy, just over one year ago to usher in a new generation of apprenticeships through its partnership with Skillnet, the UK’s largest provider of apprenticeships to the automotive industry. Kia has developed a bespoke apprenticeship programme with a focus on education in electrification, including apprenticeships for Light Vehicle Technician, Service Advisor and Combined Service and Parts Advisor.
Kia Apprenticeships
Kia Apprenticeships begin with one of Kia’s dealer partners posting a job, which is where the apprentice will spend their working day. Apprentices are then invited to an appraisal meeting with Skillnet to decide suitability of the apprenticeship and from there, the story begins. Unlike a university or college course, apprentices earn as they learn, working and learning on the job, while benefiting from the state-of-the-art technical training provided by the Kia Academy.
Apprentices can obtain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to not only become an expert Kia technician or Customer Service Advisor, but also ensure they have a successful career with Kia whilst maximising personal growth.
At the end of Kia Apprenticeships, graduates have the option to continue their career progression with a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 or 5) to further develop their skills.
Inspiring Apprenticeships
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) announced the winners of its 2024 IMI World Skills Competitions on 26 November 2024. With more than 700 nominations, and a year-long application and assessment process, Karl Wilson, a Kia Apprentice with dealer SG Petch Kia Darlington was one of only four apprentices to achieve the winning gold for Light Vehicle Technology. It was the largest competition of its type, with representation from across the UK.
Karl commented: “I am proud to be a part of the team at SG Petch and myself for passing the first test to become in the top 10% of people who have ever taken the test, which is an achievement in itself. I would also like to thank the Kia Academy and staff as the facility there has also helped with my apprenticeship, and it is an amazing experience to be a part of.”
Real apprentice stories
Kia Apprentices come from all walks of life and locations. Everyone has their own story and reasons, but they all have one thing in common: They are interested in and have a passion for vehicles, technology and wish to have a more hands-on approach to both learning and work.
Alexander Badcock, Brayley’s Kia Enfield, had already started a university degree in sport and exercise science before deciding it wasn’t for him.
He commented: “It was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. When I left, I was working full time as a delivery driver while I found my feet and worked out what I wanted to do. I then applied to Skillnet and they found me my workplace and sent me for an interview. Once my interview was complete, I was offered the job while I was on my way home.
“I had just begun my time at Brayleys Kia Enfield, and I was able to complete my first clutch change completely alone in less than a day. I had never done one before, so this was really satisfying and gave me a great sense of achievement.”
“Someone interested in the motor industry to become a Light Vehicle Technician should choose the Kia brand because it is a company that’s investing a lot of money into learning. Through the new training centre, with a wide range of different cars and equipment, you can further knowledge with relatable tutors whose sessions offer both interactive and practical knowledge, so you can learn from their experiences in the motor trade.”
their first time away from home, so it’s important to them and us that they feel welcome and at home.”
Mark Daley, Centre Manager at the Kia Academy who works for Skillnet, said: “I’ve always been a great advocate for apprenticeships. University and College have their place, of course, but they’re not for everyone and apprenticeships offer a vital alternative that’s a lot more hands-on, particularly when it comes to working with vehicles.
“Having started as an apprentice myself means I am able to relate to the sorts of feelings our students are going through when they start their learning journey with us in particular. Our duty of care is actually just as important as the course itself, so we teach things like first aid and about earning money, mortgages and basic accounting as a part of the course – these are life skills that are often missing in other fields of education.
“Our apprentices are a core part of the successful future of the automotive industry too, learning on the job and with dedicated high-quality training on the latest Kia cars – and soon vans too. So, it’s absolutely essential that we foster their learning and the Kia Academy is the place where that happens every day.”