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Volkswagen Financial Services

Collections Apprentice Review

at Volkswagen Financial Services

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Finance

Milton Keynes

Review Submitted: March 2021

Overall Rating

4.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am a collections apprentice and so my role is to work with customers that are in financial difficulty to try and achieve the best outcome for the business and the customer. My role will require me to complete a variety of tasks such as phones or emails. Each day can be different in the tasks that are being set which is great as it keeps things mixed up.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my program and in all honesty wish I was longer! Here at VWFS everything is organized and delivered to a high standard. I enjoy my work here so much that I am still yet to think twice about staying with the business once my apprenticeship ends. I have no complaints and would really recommend!

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Being in collections for the past year and a half has developed me for the better! Being on the phones and speaking to customers in a difficult situation is not something that you can pick up and do. The way in which I communicate with people has improved tenfold. Speaking to various types of people in various circumstances really gets you thinking.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programmed is very well structured. From day one I was in a company induction that essentially showed me the ropes of the business. I was then introduced to my team and placed into my training sessions. VWFS are a very well organized business and so you can be sure that planned events take place on time. Each week I am given scheduled time to complete all of the work set as part of my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
VWFS are a very supportive employer that has been by my side every step of the way. While things were getting hard over lockdown HR were more than happy to work with me to ensure that I am in a happy working environment. Also, as previously mentioned they are more than happy to allocate me any time I need in order to get my work done.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My tutor will catch up with my physically/remotely at least once per month not only to ensure that I am on track but to also just check in! With each piece of work set my coach also provides in depth explanations and templates that allow me to complete the work to the best of my ability.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that my qualification sets me a side from the rest in terms of my day to day role. With the professional discussions that I have with my coach I have found that I am more confident in giving my piece when someone was to ask a question in a meeting environment. Not only that, but I also have a better understanding of the job I am doing. This means that if a customer or even a team member was to ask a question I can give an even stronger answer!
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Unfortunately I do not take part in any extra-curricular actives. I had organized a sporting activity but due to the impact of the virus we had to cancel. At Christmas we usually have a party but yet again covid spoiled that too. Once we are back to normal I am sure that events will start to pop up again but until then we are stuck at home!

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Volkswagen Financial Services to a friend?
Yes
Why?
VWFS are a very professional but relaxed company. VWFS bring a great balance of work load and enjoyment. The office at VWFS speaks for itself, if you haven't seen the building I would definitely recommend as Its unlike anything else. VWFS also have perks unlike any other in terms of a car! When working with VWFS you get the opportunity to own a brand new VAG car every 6 months!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Volkswagen Financial Services?
Best advice I could give would be to give examples of any working experience you have had throughout your life! You'd be surprised how transferable skills are and how relevant past experiences can be in your present day work.
The application processes is quite lengthy but you are told of the tasks you are expected to complete before their due date so I would really recommend in planning ideas as opposed to jumping straight in.
In This Review
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