At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, schedule services, and resolve vehicle issues in a dynamic BMW/MINI environment.
- Company: Join Partridge of Hampshire, a leading retailer for one of the world's top car manufacturers.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, travel costs covered, and opportunities for career progression within BMW.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious brand, enhance your customer service skills, and work in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: GCSE Grade A*-C / 9-4 in English, Maths, and one other subject required.
- Other info: Training at the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire every two months, with mentorship throughout.
Partridge of Hampshire is looking for an Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice.
Your role
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with one of the world's most prestigious and technologically advanced car manufacturers. There are very few Customer Service Apprenticeships in the motor industry and the BMW programme is regarded as being the leader in delivering the ultimate customer experience.
You will be working in a busy BMW/MINI Service Department. Your role will be focused on dealing with customers, who have high expectations and a varied range of needs and demands. As a result, you need to have exceptional interpersonal skills and be able to build rapport, as well as a desire to provide the highest level of customer service. This combined with excellent organisational and communication skills will enable you to deliver outstanding customer service, representing the high standards and reputation of the BMW/MINI brand.
Service Advisor specific duties include:
- Working face-to-face with customers within the Retailer
- Handling calls to the Retailer, including booking and scheduling vehicle services and repairs
- Estimating time and costs associated with vehicle services and repairs
- Handling and responding to customer complaints
- Being involved with interpreting initial customer concerns and liaising with the vehicle technicians
- Liaising with customers and keeping them updated of any additional work that may be required
- Tracking customer vehicles through the workshop during service and repair
- Advising customers on how to solve problems with their vehicles
All Aftersales Customer Service (Service Advisor) Trainees attend the BMW Group Academy UK in Berkshire for their off-the-job training. The apprenticeship will have a strong focus on the retail environment and the high customer service expectations of BMW & MINI customers, as well as Service Advisor specific training. The training takes place over a 12 month period at the BMW Group Academy and has been designed to suit both Parts and Service Advisor roles. During the time spent at your BMW Retailer, a mentor will be allocated to oversee the work-based learning programme. A BMW representative will also visit on a 12 weekly basis to set performance targets and ensure any development needs are being met.
Your profile
Desired skills
None. Full training will be provided.
Personal qualities
Successful applicants must demonstrate the following:
- An enthusiasm for excellent customer service
- An interest in the automotive industry
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Honesty and trustworthiness with a willingness to learn
- A positive attitude and work ethic, with a high level of professionalism to represent the BMW/MINI brand
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy service department, as well as having the capability to follow instructions and work individually
Desired qualifications
Applicants are required to have, or predicted to obtain, GCSE Grade A*-C / 9-4 or Functional Skills Level 2 (or equivalent) in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- One other subject
Future prospects
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified Service Advisor. You will also gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner. Following this, there are various opportunities for progression within the Retailer.
Things to consider
Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire to complete their apprenticeship training. Training is completed in one-week blocks approximately once every two months. All training costs are covered by the BMW Retailer (travel, accommodation and food).
About the employer
All Light Vehicle Technician, Aftersales Customer Service (Parts & Service) and Motorcycle Technician Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer, and will attend the BMW Group Academy for their training. The BMW Group Academy is based at Wokefield Park near Reading in Berkshire. All Bodyshop Technician (Paint & Panel) Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer or Bodyshop, and will attend our body training facility for their training. The body training facility is located in Milton Keynes.
Training provider
While the programme will focus on customer service skills, also embedded within the seven weeks training will include the current certification training courses for the Service Advisor role. Additional technical and product awareness training will also be included.
Qualifications to be achieved:
- Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
- Service Advisor Certification
- ERR (Employee Rights & Responsibilities) Workbook
Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice employer: BMW Group Retail
Contact Detail:
BMW Group Retail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BMW and MINI brands. Understanding their values, customer service philosophy, and product range will help you connect better with customers and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging in conversations with friends or family about cars and customer service. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and build confidence when interacting with customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or taking part-time roles in customer service environments. This experience will not only enhance your interpersonal skills but also show your commitment to providing excellent service, which is crucial for this apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former apprentices in the automotive industry. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel during the apprenticeship, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills related to customer service and the automotive industry. Emphasise your communication and organisational skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for excellent customer service and your interest in the automotive industry. Mention why you want to work with BMW/MINI specifically and how you can contribute to their high standards.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with customers. Provide examples of situations where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they are from non-work experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMW Group Retail
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Customer Service
Make sure to express your passion for providing excellent customer service during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Research BMW and MINI
Familiarise yourself with the BMW and MINI brands, their values, and what sets them apart in the automotive industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand the expectations of the role better.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific customer service scenarios. Think about potential challenges you might face as an Aftersales Service Advisor and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Highlight instances where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal, as this will show your ability to fit into the busy service department.