MANILA, Philippines - Volkswagen Philippines, the authorized importer and distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in the country, recently presented certificates of completion to eight less privileged but deserving students of Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Education and Training Center (TVET) Tondo and Don Bosco Technological Institute Makati.
After eight weeks of theoretical and practical training and 900 hours of on-the-job exercises, the students graduated from the Volkswagen Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP).
Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO John Philip Orbeta and chief operating adviser Klaus Schadewald presided over the graduation ceremonies held at Volkswagen’s BGC headquarters.
The eight graduates, aged 18 to 21 years old, emerged from a roster of 40 pre-selected students of Don Bosco Makati and Tondo.
After the selection process, the students, under the guidance of Volkswagen Group Regional Aftersales (VRAS) trainers, underwent two months of rigorous theoretical and practical training, which included modules on Volkswagen brand introduction, basic qualification courses, and the Volkswagen seven-core service process. In addition, the students also went through 900 hours of on-the-job training, which included job immersion in various sections of aftersales operations – from maintenance and repair of vehicles, to job control, to parts inventory and warehouse management, then to service advisor training.
The eight students who gained the nod of their peers and mentors for showing true dedication to and interest in their new automotive skills, are Esthanle Lopecillo, Joemhel Tuliao, Levie Leguiz and Joey Romero of Don Bosco Tondo; and Aldrianne Arquita, Daniel Gonzales, Jann Patrick Matira, and John Michael Luanzon of Don Bosco Makati.
Volkswagen Philippines aftersales director Reginald See said that TAP was about providing students the opportunity to learn and apply knowledge in their work, and enabling them to help themselves as well as their families.
Volkswagen Philippines also donated several training parts such as base engine, alternator assembly, and aircon compressor to Don Bosco Tondo and Makati.
Besides providing opportunities to the underprivileged, the apprenticeship program also seeks to accelerate the availability of new technicians; create qualified, motivated, and loyal technicians; and increase Volkswagen’s service quality and customer satisfaction.
The Philippines, particularly its technical schools such as Don Bosco, has been eyed more closely by the Volkswagen regional group for its technicians’ apprenticeship program because of the students’ and the general population’s high literacy and educational attainment levels, proficiency in English, and reputation for high motivation in study and work attitude.