HWP Group’s mechanical service technician Calvin Thomas has been awarded a Service Technician Level Certification from leading European manufacturer, Volkswagen.HWP trainer Lenny Henderson said of Mr Thomas’ achievement: “Volkswagen vehicles are one of our more challenging models for technicians due to their advanced engineering, very sophisticated systems and specialist knowledge required to work on them. The job of a technician is always evolving as automotive technology progresses, so you need the best training and to keep up with the latest in technology.”Mr Thomas holds a Diploma in Automotive and Diesel Technology and has been working at HWP for more than three years.“At HWP, we work on 12 different car manufacturers and each of them are very different. Volkswagen’s are challenging, but I have been really keen to master it,” said Mr Thomas. “Training and development is a high priority at HWP and I now have a structured plan to take me to Master Technician certification with VW.”Volkswagen has a number of training centres and Mr Thomas was registered into the UK training programme, which is recognised as one of the best training centres in the world. The manufacturer has trainers with a vast knowledge and experience, combined with the full support of the manufacturer and state-of-the-art training centres with all the latest equipment.Jonathan Brewin, CEO of HWP Group said: “HWP invest a lot in training as it is critical to meet with the ever-changing technology in the automotive industry. The importance of manufacturer training and support is vital to meet our customers’ expectations and deliver first class service.”He continued: “Being the only approved distributor on the Island for all the manufacturers we carry means that we are able to train our technicians directly with the manufacturers as well as supplying manufacturer parts. In fact, getting a car serviced or repaired by anyone else would mean that your warranty could be jeopardised, which is something that we are keen that our customers are aware of.”HWP Group now works in partnership with the National Training Board.Mr Henderson said: “We would like to thank Pandora Glasford and James Welch for their support and commitment to the apprentices in their training programmes.”Mr Thomas will now move on to the next level with his Volkswagen training, covering engine management systems in both diesel and gas vehicles.