Volvo vehicle technician Matthew Thompson at Marshall Cambridge
has achieved the highest qualification in the industry after he was awarded
Master Technician status.
Recognised as the pinnacle of automotive excellence, would-be
master technicians have to be nominated by their business and then undergo a
series of exams and practical tests to assess their technical competence. The
stringent tests mean only the very best technicians achieve the requisite grade
to qualify as a master technician, which is also independently recognised by
the industry’s body the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), a further
reflection of the qualification’s high standing.
Matthew, who started at Marshall Cambridge in
Newmarket Road started his career at the dealership as an apprentice after
leaving school ten years ago and is now the dealership’s only master
technician.
Comments
Matthew: “I have always had a passion for cars so I was always the enthusiastic
apprentice when I first started working here and my desire to continue learning
as much as I can about what goes on under the bonnet has never wavered.
Achieving master technician status has always been my goal and I still can’t
believe I have actually done, all the hard work was definitely worth it. As
well as being on hand to everyone in the workshop, I plan to act as a mentor to
our current cohort of apprentices and I hope to be as inspirational to them as
the people who trained and guided me.”
Adds
service manager Paul Maltby: “Even though customers will not necessarily
realise that we have a master technician in our midst, they will benefit from
Matthew’s extensive knowledge behind the scenes. It is a huge achievement and
our customers can be even more confident in the quality of the skills and
training in our workshop. Only the very best technicians achieve the master
technician qualification and we are extremely proud of Matthew. His achievement
is a reflection of his dedication and hard work.”
After
vigorous assessment, Volvo is an approved centre for the IMI’s Quality Assured
Awards (QAA) programme which means those
who successfully complete the Volvo Master Technician programme receive a QAA
certificate from the IMI, which provides the individual with independent
verification of their technical competence.