P E T-X i C A S E S T U DY
Upskilling women in the automotive industry The XL Motors relationship with PET-Xi began two years ago, just before the pandemic, when the company enlisted the help of the training provider to provide them with talented trainees. The ongoing partnership has enabled five e mployees to enter the automotive industry, including three women – with more recruits planned in the coming months.
Recruitment support provided by PET-Xi XL Motors first contacted PET-Xi about supporting them with a recruitment drive to fill a number of vacancies in the Midlands. Maggie Thomson, Commercial & Partnership Manager at XL Motors, said: “We really value our
fledgling relationship with PET-Xi. My fellow staff members and our counterparts at XL Motors both want the best for anyone looking for employment in the automotive sector, whether they are s tudents and youngsters looking for their first role or those who are after a career change or looking to get back on their feet after finding themselves without a job. “As a progressive employer that wants to provide opportunities within the automotive industry to all, we are delighted to have taken on three women as part of our recent intake. “We filled a number of vacancies through PET-Xi and wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again in future recruitment drives.”
Learners’ perspectives Three customer services advisors have completed or are to begin Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeships, with the aim of expanding their skill base and delivering a professional and complete service for XL Motors customers. Steph Concannon, 28, is training to head up the team by completing one of PET-Xi’s leadership courses. She said: “I’m hoping to pick up some important methods of leadership, like adapting to unique situations that could occur day-to-day and being an important go-to and mentor for the apprentices for anything they need help with. “I’m grateful to PET-Xi for providing the platform for me to further myself at work, and am thankful to XL Motors for putting their trust in me as customer services lead.” Louise Pinks, 26, and, Danielle Commins, 24, are to form part of Steph’s team, and are currently undertaking Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeships as part of their personal development programme. Louise said: “My working background hasn’t been customer services focused but I wanted a career
change, so discovering both XL Motors and PET-Xi has been a blessing. “I’m enjoying the yearlong apprenticeship and will hopefully pass with flying colours! I’ve learnt a lot so far and am keen to pick up more tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to answering calls, updating customers on tyre repairs and progress on ongoing jobs.” Danielle said: “I really like the opportunities XL Motors provide, which I’ve not experienced elsewhere. I’m enjoying the face-to-face nature of the job and my car knowledge is greatly improving, especially my awareness of the repair process. “My confidence in a variety of different work scenarios is continually improving, and I’m looking forward to the remainder of my apprenticeship, which I hope will really help me make further progress at XL Motors and as a customer services professional.”
Together we work as one The Level 2 programmes the learners took part in were funded through the SERCO Skills Support for the Workforce initiative, which is co-financed by the European Social fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
If you would like to do the same course we would love to hear from you! To sign up call Kerri Bowers on: 07387 412 949 or email: kbowers@pet-xi.co.uk