Snows Academy, run by dealer group Snows, has congratulated seven apprentices for completing their first year.

The students picked up skills while on work placements at dealerships in and around Southampton, Winchester, Plymouth and Exeter.

In a learning programme with Learning Skills Partnership, an automotive industry training provider based in Hull, apprentices are taught skills in customer service, vehicle sales and vehicle parts.

Of the 13 chosen for Snows Academy’s launch year, seven went on to pass the level 2 customer service apprenticeship over 12 months and now progress to a level 3 qualification over 18 months.

They are Aidan Baker of Snows Toyota Exeter/Lexus Exeter; Jack Bristow of Snows Volvo Winchester; Ben Edwards of Snows Volvo Southampton; David Hawes of Snows Toyota Southampton; Richard Jarrett of Snows Toyota Exeter/Lexus Exeter; Jacob Muldoon of Snows Toyota Plymouth and Danielle Weeks (pictured) of Lexus Hedge End.

Snows’ Group human resources manager Sam Cheesman said: “Industry-leading customer focus must be embedded in our Academy because the expectations of customers are higher than ever in our digital age – and rightly so.

“The automotive industry needs to attract young and enthusiastic staff who understand and act on the fundamentals of customer satisfaction and make the purchasing journey for customers an enjoyable, engaging experience.

“We’re pleased with the results of what Snows Academy is already achieving in its first year, further driving standards in customer service excellence whilst at the same time providing a structured career path for our apprentices.

“One of the apprentices did so well that he sold his first car, aged 17, under guidance and with the full support of the purchaser. These are fantastic experiences created out of training-led confidence.

“Snows Academy is also a future springboard for career progression, helping with all-important staff retention.”