Graduating Volvo Technicians and Master Technicians from Dealerships across the UK and Ireland were honoured last week in a glittering ceremony hosted by Volvo Truck and Bus and Dealer Network senior management at the National Motorcycle Museum close by the NEC at Birmingham. During the ceremony, which was attended by families and friends of the graduating Technicians, Volvo Managing Director Markku Olkinuora presented certificates and sporting legend Sir Geoff Hurst presented three special awards. In a motivational speech, which took place less than 24 hours before the 2007 FA Cup final, Sir Geoff urged the graduates to focus on cultivating a winning attitude while fostering teamwork.

Three special awards were presented by special guests, including Sir Geoff, for the Highest Academic Achiever, the Most Improved Student and the Apprentice of the Year. Congratulating the newly graduated Technicians and describing them as ‘ambassadors of the Volvo brand’, Markku Olkinuora described their achievement as ‘the first major milestone’ in their careers.

Twenty-nine Technicians graduated with BTEC and NVQ Level 3 qualifications in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. In addition, six Technicians were awarded the Higher National Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies as well as five who picked up their Nigher National Diplomas in Motor Vehicle Technology and Management.

Markku Olkinuora also presented certificates to 51 newly graduated Master Technicians. The Master Technician programme is a professional qualification unique to Volvo Truck and Bus. Since its inception three years ago, 191 Volvo Dealer Technicians have now gone on to achieve ‘Master Technician’ status.

All candidates for ‘Master Technician’ status take part in an intensive three-year programme which includes a gruelling test of their practical and theory skills in terms of right first time service, repair and diagnostics, including breakdowns and MoT preparation. Volvo Technicians awarded the honour of ‘Master Technician’ status must continuously demonstrate the highest skill-levels in the workshop.

Crossroads Truck & Bus Achievements

Apprentice of the Year 2007
Thomas Jagger (Normanton Depot)

Graduating Apprentices
Carl Cooper (Rotherham Depot)
Glenn Soulsby (Hull Depot)
John Spellman (Birstall Depot)
Andrew Shepley (Birstall Depot)

HNC Graduates
Ben Rymer (Boroughbridge Depot)
Andrew Lee (Tadcaster Depot)
John Morton (Rotherham Depot)

HND Graduates
Wayne Bentley (Rotherham Depot)

Master Technicians
Christopher Derrington (Birstall Depot)
Brian Dunning (Boroughbridge Depot)
Simon Nendick (Hull Depot)
Craig Oxley (Rotherham Depot)
Philip Brookfield (Rotherham Depot)

Well done to all those involved.