Suzuki GB PLC recently celebrated the graduation of 29 dedicated car and motorcycle technicians, customer service advisors, and aftersales parts consultants from its well-regarded Apprenticeship Programme. Held at The British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the graduation ceremony brought together the Suzuki community, marking a significant milestone for the graduates, their families, and the Suzuki dealer network.
These new graduates represent the future of Suzuki’s workforce, equipped with both hands-on expertise and classroom knowledge thanks to Suzuki’s comprehensive training at its state-of-the-art Doncaster centre in South Yorkshire. The curriculum balanced on-the-job learning with structured, expert-led sessions covering the latest in automotive technology. This preparation is especially timely as Suzuki readies for the launch of its first fully electric vehicle in 2025, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge in hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance within its dealerships.
Suzuki GB’s Managing Director, Takanori Suzuki, and Director of Aftersales, Denis Houston, presented the certificates, celebrating each apprentice’s dedication and commitment to excellence. In attendance were Suzuki senior management, the graduates’ families, and representatives from Suzuki’s nationwide dealer network, creating a fittingly proud moment for all involved.
“The graduation ceremony is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. It is always a proud moment for not only the apprentices themselves, but also for their families and employers who have played a pivotal role in supporting each of the individuals,” said Takanori Suzuki. “Specialist training in higher voltage hybrid and fully electric vehicles is now also paramount for the future of Suzuki and its dealer network.”
The 2024 cohort includes skilled technicians, knowledgeable parts consultants, and adept customer service advisors, all of whom now return to dealerships around the UK, ready to advance in their careers and contribute their expertise. This year’s graduates hailed from dealerships nationwide, representing Suzuki’s deep commitment to cultivating talent across its regional networks.
Here’s a list of the graduates and their respective dealerships:
Customer Service
- Holly Baker, Cheriton Motor House
Parts Consultant
- Joshua James, Frank Nicol Farm & Garden Machinery
Motorcycle Technicians
- Jake Hall, Robinsons of Rochdale
- Evan Hemming, Thunder Road Motorcycles Ltd
- Luca Jennings, Robinsons Foundry Ltd
- Connor Nicholls, GT Motorcycles
- Connor Patton, Cupar Motorcycles
Automobile Technicians
- Lewis Bartle, Colin Appleyard Cars (Bradford)
- Jay Carter, Batchelors of Ripon
- Charlotte Caunt, Drayton Motors
- Ethan Connors, Pebley Beach (Cirencester)
- Ryan Dearden, Baden Powell
- Benjamin Devilleforte, Threeways
- Joshua Embleton, Blackshaws Garage
- Calum Gibbs, Richmond
- Alexander Green, Startin Suzuki Redditch
- Lewis Haynes, Ron Brooks Suzuki
- Ryan Hopkins, Pebley Beach (Swindon)
- Josh Moonie, Ian Grieve Suzuki
- Liam Palfreyman, Colin Appleyard Cars (Keighley)
- Daniel Pearson, Tracks of Exeter
- Katie Penberthy, Ashford Orbital
- Benjamin Putland, Stoneacre Suzuki (Hull)
- Ellis Reed, John Banks Limited
- Charlie Anne Richardson (served with Glyn Hopkin), Stoneacre Suzuki Peterborough
- Theodore Searle, Sherwoods Suzuki
- Adam Stewart, Stephen A Sims Cars Limited
- Logan Whitfield, Pentraeth Automotive
- Tomos Williams, Pentraeth Automotive
The graduation signifies not only individual accomplishment but also a strategic investment in the skilled workforce needed to navigate the evolving automotive landscape. As Suzuki looks to a future driven by advanced hybrid and electric technology, these graduates are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the brand’s growth and the transition to sustainable mobility.
For graduates unable to attend the ceremony, certificates will be personally delivered by their Regional Aftersales Manager. Individual photographs capturing the moment of each award are available for download on Suzuki’s official media site.
