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Following on from the announcement of the new Audi Advanced Apprenticeship scheme earlier in the year, Audi Ireland has held a number of open evenings at dealerships around the country in a bid to convey its vision for 'car workshops of the future'. In the first few days after the programme's reveal over 1,500 applicants registered their interest online, and 213 candidates in total attended the open evening events.
As detailed previously, thirty spaces are available on the scheme nationwide, and the package includes workwear and €6,000 of Snap-on tools. Full Audi certification takes four years to achieve instead of the usual seven, and there is clear path to progression within the Audi Ireland network to roles like master technician, service advisor and many more. The successful candidates even get to drive an R8 supercar at Audi's Neuberg facility along the way...
Steven Stein, Audi Ireland's Head of Aftersales commented: "The sheer volume of applicants in the first week of the Audi Advanced Apprenticeship scheme and the attendance numbers at our open evening demonstrate not only the attractiveness of Audi's premium brand, but the growing allure of the automotive industry and alternative routes for obtaining education and qualifications. The industry has transformed radically and in exciting ways over the past two decades, thanks mostly to new advancements in automotive technology, like GPS, infotainment, telecoms and the Internet of Things. Audi vehicles are at the cutting edge of these advancements, including ground-breaking piloted driving technology. We look forward to interviewing applicants across Ireland over the coming months."
Applications are now closed for the 2016 programme, but if you've missed out then fear not as you can enter again early next year. Keep an eye on http://audiapprenticeship.ie for all relevant dates and details.