Bridgend Training Academy Week 7 -- Service Reception

Week 7 of the Bridgend Training Academy was spent in Service Reception with some trainees going into Admin.

As our Sale has just started our sales departments were really busy so we deployed Lewis, Ben & Calum into sales to help out and all the guys did a great job there! 

Molly did her admin week at the Kilwinning Branch and Kilwinning and Kilmarnock had Service Reception trainees.

In Admin Molly was shown how to input data into our systems, audit keys and registration documents and of course there is always filing! 

The reception trainees were shown how to book cars in to the workshop, send out MOT and service reminders, prepare job cards and invoices and how to speak to customers at the counter and over the phone. 

The mentors were all happy with their trainees this week and we are delighted that out of the 12 who started Training Academy we still have 9 remaining after 7 weeks. 

Week 8 sees the Trainees going into the Marketing & E-Sales Departments! 

Bridgend Training Academy Week 6 - Admin

Week 6 of the Training Academy was spent in Admin with some trainees going into Service Reception. 

Matthew & Andrew are still doing a trial period in the Kilwinning Workshop and say they are really enjoying it!

Ben was on holiday last week so came back and did his Pre Sales Checking in Ayr and Alex also did a week in Pre Sales Checking. 

Admin was split between Kilwinning and Irvine Branches with Service Reception in Kilwinning and Kilmarnock also mentoring the trainees.

Over the course of the week the Admin trainees were shown how to file, input data into the systems, deal with enquiries and all other general office tasks.

The reception trainees were shown how to book cars in to the workshop, send out MOT and service reminders, prepare job cards and invoices and how to speak to customers at the counter and over the phone. 

At the end of the week the trainees filled in their appraisal forms and here were some of the comments

"I didn't think I would like being in an office but I was surprised how many different tasks there were to be carried out. It was something completely different for me!"

"I thought reception would solely be about dealing with customers and didn't realise how much admin was done at the front desk. It was interesting to see how a reception works from the other side and now I see it all differently than I would as a customer"

"Really enjoyed admin and felt part of the team from the first day"

Bridgend Staff who were mentors for the week had this to say about their trainees

"My trainee was excellent. Head down, work done, only had to ask once for something to get done. 10/10"

"Our trainee was so polite and friendly and keen to learn. They got on with everyone and made a really good impression"

"Although he was only here a couple of days he got stuck into the work straight away and was in every morning early"

"Our trainee seemed quiet at the start of the week but got more confident as the week went on and ended up being really good on the phone with customers" 

Week 7 sees the trainees swap places between Admin & Service Reception. 

Bridgend Training Academy Week 5 - Pre Sales Checking

Week 5 of the Training Academy was spent with the Pre Sales Checking Department and some of the trainees doing their week in Parts. 

Matthew & Andrew have both shown both aptitude and enthusiasm for the mechanical workshop side of the business so we agreed to give them another few weeks there to see if this is something they can make a career out of.

Week 5 took place between all Parts Departments at Ayr, Kilwinning and Kilmarnock and PSC departments who travel between all branches checking in the cars bought in to see what they require before being put on the sales yards. Each trainee was assigned a mentor at each department to show them what goes on in each part and encourage them.

Over the course of the week the Parts Trainees were shown how to answer phone calls, make phone calls to suppliers to order parts and booking parts deliveries in.

The Pre Sales Checking Trainees were shown the process of us bringing cars into stock and identifying what needs done to them before they reach the sales yard. 

At the end of the week the trainees filled in their appraisal forms and got their certificates. Among the comments are

"I'd have loved to spend another week doing PSC's. It was great to know how it all works behind the scenes"

"I enjoyed being more involved in carrying out jobs like checking tyres etc as well as helping to keep the workplace clean"

"My mentor was great to work with and made the days enjoyable especially getting me more involved with work"

"All the Bridgend staff have been friendly to me and the work was fast moving but good"

Bridgend's PSC Team who were mentors for this section had this to say about their trainees

"Was a pleasure to have the Training Academy guys this week. They've been easy to teach, no trouble at all and very helpful"

"I really enjoyed my week being a mentor as the trainees were a pleasure to show the aspects of my job to. They even came up with some new ideas for me to try doing things in different ways!"

"Polite, friendly, always on time, did what was asked of them. Can't ask for anything more!"

Week 6 sees the Trainees split between Service Reception and Admin Departments!

Bridgend Training Academy Week 4 - Parts Department

Week 4 of the Training Academy was spent between the Parts Department and the Pre Sales Checking Department. Alex who started a week later went into the Mechanical Workshop in Kilmarnock to do his Week 3 and Matthew who was on holiday went to Kilwinning Workshop to complete his mechanical section. 

Week 4 took place between all Parts Departments at Ayr, Kilwinning and Kilmarnock and PSC departments who travel between all branches checking in the cars bought in to see what they require before being put on the sales yards. Each trainee was assigned a mentor at each department to show them what goes on in each part and encourage them.

Over the course of the week the Parts Trainees were shown how to answer phone calls, make phone calls to suppliers to order parts and booking parts deliveries in.

At the end of the week the trainees filled in their appraisal forms and got their certificates. Among the comments were

"I found this challenging after the practical weeks but once I got into using the computer system and phones I really got into it and enjoyed it"

"Was a bit nervous for this week as I saw how busy the parts department was when I was in the workshop but my mentor was calm and confident and gave me help when I asked for it"

"It was good. Very busy but I got more confident as the week went on and my mentor allowed me to make calls and decisions by myself"

Bridgend's Parts Advisers who were the mentors for the week had these comments for the trainees

"I had my trainee working with me in Parts last week and she showed great initiative and interest in learning the systems and dept. She picked it up no problem at all, was answering calls on her own accord and making calls to order parts. I showed her the stock process for booking in consumables and tyres we keep in dept and by the end of the week she was openly able to nearly work on her own. So all positive from me."

"My trainee has been great here keen to learn and not afraid to get stuck in "

"He takes his time so his work is accurate. He has been a pleasure to work with."

Week 5 is a swap around so the Parts Trainees go into Pre Sales Checking and vice versa!! Week 5 is also Review Week where we get feedback from the trainees and mentors on how the Training Academy is going.

Bridgend Training Academy Week 3 - Mechanical Workshop

Week 3 of the Training Academy was spent in the Mechanical Workshops. Alex who started a week late went into the Ayr Paintshop to do his Week 2 and Sandy was still on paternity leave.

Week 3 took place between Kilwinning, Ayr and Kilmarnock Workshops with each trainee being assigned a mentor from our existing team. 

Over the course of the week the trainees were shown basic mechanical tasks like checking oil, tyre pressures, wheel nuts, checking vehicles over pre MOT testing, learning about all the different tools we use and how to work safely within the workshop environment. 

On Friday the trainees received their Week 3 certificates and filled in their self appraisal forms. Here are some of the comments. 

"This is the week I have enjoyed the most. I learned so much and this is what I want to do"

"My mentor was great and let me try a lot of different jobs. I loved the workshop environment and felt part of the team"

"Loved it. Gutted the week went so quick, I could have done another week there"

"Enjoyed this more than I expected to. Interesting to work in a real garage and watch how mechanics fix the motors"

Bridgend's Vehicle Technicians who were mentors for the week had these comments to say about their trainees.

"What a superstar! Never needed to be told twice, did everything asked of them, was quick to diagnose problems with vehicles. Really impressed!"

"Great hard worker. Has the makings of a technician"

"This trainee shows great potential in mechanical side of the business"

"The trainees we had in our workshop this week showed great attitude, timekeeping and a good weeks work. Well done!"

Week 4 is being spent between the Pre Sales Checking Departments in Kilwinning and Ayr and all three parts departments in Ayr, Kilwinning and Kilmarnock. 

Bridgend Training Academy Week 2 - Paint & Body Work

Week 2 of the Bridgend Training Academy focused on the Paint & Body Work side of the business with one trainee starting on Week 1 as he was just back from holidays so Alex went into the Valet & Detailing department in Kilmarnock. Welcome Alex! 

We also missed Sandy this week but it was all good as his partner gave birth to their healthy baby boy so he is now on paternity leave.

So Week 2 took place between the Ayr and Kilwinning Paintshops with each trainee at Kilwinning spending a day with Gordon in the mobile smart repair van which everyone seemed to enjoy! 

Over the course of the week the trainees were shown aspects of how we go about body repairs including masking vehicles to prepare for paintwork, sanding, alloy wheel refurbishment, using the buffing machine and the airlines correctly and safely, small scratch repairs and learning about the various chemicals used and the all important keeping your work area clean and tidy! 

On Friday all the trainees received their certificates from their mentors and filled in their self appraisal forms - here are some of the comments

"I felt I fitted in straight away and got down to work. Everyone that I worked with was more than helpful"

"I found the paint and panel work very interesting and would like to learn more about it. I really enjoyed this week again and had a very helpful mentor"

"I enjoyed every part of this week especially my day in the mobile van with Gordon"

"I haven't failed to enjoy anything in the bodywork shop and it's probably the area so far I would like to work in. The mentors have been great with us if we had any problems or questions. This would definitely be something I'm interested in"

Bridgend's Paint & Body Team who were the mentors for the week also commented on the trainees!

"Cannot fault these trainees. Keen, enthusiastic and willing to learn"

"Enjoyed mentoring! He was always asking questions and when he had finished his tasks he would pick up a brush and sweep the floor without being asked"

"Hard grafter my trainee. Not afraid of hard work. Put in a good shift this week"

"Very impressed with my trainee. Didn't have to explain things twice. Picked up on tasks first time" 

Week 3 is being spent in the Mechanical Workshops at Ayr, Kilwinning and Kilmarnock! 

Bridgend Training Academy Week 1 - Valeting & Detailing

Week 1 Day 1 of the Bridgend Training Academy focused on induction, Health & Safety, orientation and introductions to future colleagues as well as receiving a welcome pack.

Week 1 was spent in the Valeting & Detailing Department at the Kilwinning and Irvine Branches with each trainee being given a mentor to show them the skills and qualities required to ensure our cars are gleaming inside and out. On Day 2 the trainees were issued their special Training Academy workwear and safety boots.

Over the next few days the trainees were shown how to polish, hoover, wash and buff the cars as well as learning how to use the computerised number plate machine to make up new plates and learning about the different chemicals we use and how to use these safely.

On Friday all the successful candidates received their certificates from their mentors and filled in their Self Appraisals. Here are some of the comments..

"The mentors were great to work with and their instructions were easy to follow"

" I couldn't have done this week without my mentor being patient and teaching us in a way that was easy to understand. I really enjoyed this week!"

"I have really enjoyed valeting and seeing the end results and learning new skills"

"I had a fab mentor!"

"I have enjoyed this and seeing the end results after cleaning. My mentor was really helpful and knowledgeable and made me feel part of the team"

"My mentor was excellent at training. Really enjoyed valeting, would love doing this as a full time job"

Bridgend's own Valet Team who were the mentors for the week also commented on the trainees

"What a hard working, keen, nice group of people. It was a pleasure to have them here for the week"

"So good to see a good work ethic and attitude from my trainee"

"It was nice to work with the trainees this week. They were so nice. Big thumbs up from me!"

"Couldn't ask for a better group for the first Training Academy. I had my reservations but as soon as they came in you could tell they had a great attitude. I enjoyed being a mentor for the week"

Week 2 is being spent in the Paint Shops at Ayr and Kilwinning as well as our mobile van! 

Week One in Electric Vehicle

First week driving the fully electric Nissan Leaf and I have to say I LOVE it!

It is so quiet, very speedy and responsive. All the inside "toys" you could want including reversing camera, full bluetooth connectivity with my phone (great for playing Spotify!) climate control and auto wipers. 

The main thing that concerned me was charging the vehicle. However it is a doddle! I charge it at work while I am in the office and all I do is park next to an outdoor plug socket, take the charging cable out the boot and plug it in and go off to do my work. This is an ordinary 3 pin plug by the way not a designated charging point. There is also a rapid charger with the car which can be used at charging points but I haven't had the need for it this week. 

As for driving about in it - I have been to Ayr and Kilmarnock branches a few times and the car is incredibly nippy! I have had to check myself several times from going too fast as there is no noise from the engine to let you know. 

So far so very good! I would highly recommend this type of motoring!

https://www.bridgendgroup.co.uk/electric-and-hybrid/

Goodbye Hybrid Vehicle Hello Fully Electric Car!

After successfully trialing a Toyota Yaris Hybrid Vehicle I have decided to take the plunge and go fully electric! Since I am forever forgetting to charge my phone what are the chances of me being able to remember to charge a car! 😔

So after discussion with the eco-experts at Bridgend Motor Group where I work as the HR and Payroll Manager they comforted me with the fact that as I only drive locally the range on the electric car was fine for me and that I can charge it using a 3 pin plug at work or at home or at a charging station should I need to. 

We chose a Nissan Leaf 80KW Acenta 24KWH 5 door Automatic  (link to website below) 

https://www.bridgendgroup.co.uk/used-car-details/used-nissan-leaf-80kw-acenta-24kwh-5dr-auto-bat-small-car-red-automatic-electric/id-101491900149/?Make=NISSAN


Great features on this model such as built in Sat Nav, Bluetooth Connectivity, automatic lights and wipers, climate and cruise control and audio streaming, USB connections, touch screen media display, rear view camera, keyless start. Fab!

I have just picked it up from the Bridgend Eco Centre in East Road Irvine where Scott & Darren the electric and hybrid specialists have shown me how it works and how to charge it. Very excited but also a bit nervous so watch this space!!!