Volvo Car’s U.K. Branch Recruiting 300 Technicians

Volvo Car’s U.K. branch is in the market for 300 dealership service technicians, citing the brand’s increasing sales and growing product range.

The near-50% increase in hires would give each of Volvo’s 119 U.K. dealerships eight technicians on average by 2020.

Volvo U.K. will build a £6 million ($7.5 million) training center in Daventry, 80 miles (108 km) northwest of London, for its apprenticeship and development programs.

Volvo is working on new technologies such as autonomous drive and connectivity. It says equipping cars with technology such as Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous drive feature, makes having advanced technical knowledge vital.

The Swedish automaker, owned by Chinese manufacturer Zhejiang Geely, is offering a structured career path leading to ongoing certifications and qualifications, which can start from Service Apprentice and reach Volvo’s highest technical level, Master Technician.

Managing Director Jon Wakefield says a technician joining Volvo will get the chance to work on exciting industry-leading technology, including autonomous drive, in-car connectivity and hybrid powertrains.

“Our continued investment into our staff will allow them to progress their knowledge of new-car technology, engineering and design and grow alongside the Volvo brand,” Wakefield says.