Volvo has seen 40 sales professionals pass through its 13-week induction programme designed to encourage those with a background in sales into automotive retail.

And eight of Volvo’s new recruits have already gone on to achieve industry-standard recognition after only three months of working in the motor trade as part of the brand’s ‘New to Car Sales’ programme, launched last year.

The 13-week induction programme supports its network of dealers to bring sales professionals from outside the motor industry into their sales teams and challenges participants in all aspects of the car sales process, from meeting and greeting the customer, new product features and how the new modern-age customer connects with the dealer via social media.

Following their completion of the Volvo New to Car Sales programme in August 2016, eight newly qualified Volvo sales consultants, which joined the programme in April 2016 from non-automotive roles, including an air-conditioning engineer and a restaurant host, have now achieved their Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 2 Vehicle Sales award.

Helen Davis, recruitment and engagement manager, Volvo Car UK, said: “Our retailers have an immediate need to increase their capacity as our sales volumes continue to rise. The New to Car Sale programme is a fantastic way to help them grow their talent pool because it brings highly driven individuals into the dealership who are keen to develop their sales skills.

“It’s very rewarding to see people wanting to develop their career within the motor trade through Volvo’s retailer network, with their hard work and dedication recognised through additional industry accolades.”

Third-party invigilators Metis Automotive carried out on-site competency-based assessments of candidates through practical and online exercises to ensure the IMI’s standards were met.

In total, 40 people have now completed Volvo’s New to Car Sales programme, with a further 15 currently in training and 16 more set to start in Q1 2017.

These eight graduates join 14 other sales consultants in Volvo’s 102-strong dealer network who have also achieved their IMI Level 2 Vehicle Sales award.