At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, manage service bookings, and ensure top-notch customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join BMW, a leader in luxury automotive innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, travel covered for academy visits, and potential career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious brand while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and one other subject required; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are key.
- Other info: Training takes place at the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire every two months.
Group1 Ipswich is looking for an Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice.
Your role
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with one of the worldβs 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
- Interpreting initial customer concerns and liaising with the vehicle technicians
- Liaising with customers and keeping them updated on 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
- 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 of 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 π€«
We think this is how you could land Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice
β¨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 during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging in conversations with friends or family about cars and customer service scenarios. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when interacting with potential customers.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by volunteering for roles that require multitasking, such as event planning or team projects. This experience will be valuable in managing customer appointments and service schedules effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former apprentices in the automotive industry. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the application process, giving you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills related to customer service and the automotive industry. Emphasise your communication skills, organisational abilities, and any previous roles where you've dealt with customers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the BMW brand. Mention why you want to be an Aftersales Service Advisor Apprentice and how your personal qualities align with the expectations of the position.
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in the past. This could include resolving complaints or building rapport, which are crucial for this role.
Show Your Willingness to Learn: Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Mention your interest in the automotive industry and how you plan to take full advantage of the training provided at the BMW Group Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMW Group Retail
β¨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 high standards expected at BMW.
β¨Research the BMW Brand
Familiarise yourself with BMW's values, history, and the specific services they offer. Being knowledgeable about the brand will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand the expectations of the role better.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle customer complaints. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues or managed difficult situations, as these will showcase your interpersonal skills.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working in a busy service department, be ready to discuss how you work effectively within a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles or projects, highlighting your ability to follow instructions and contribute positively.