| |
Case Studies and Testimonials
Home > How it works > Case Studies and Testimonials
Jamie Weal - Technician
Jamie Weal is in the first year of his apprenticeship as a vehicle technician. He's working on an NVQ at level 2 and will then go on to level 3, as well as taking some supplementary courses, to complete his apprenticeship.
"I've always wanted to go into the motor business," Jamie says, "and an apprenticeship is the only way to do it. Before leaving school at sixteen I was already looking for jobs that could offer apprenticeship training. I saw an advert in a local paper by Saunders Abbot in Sidcup and I've been here since October 2007. To be a motor technician you have to have the correct qualifications, which Saunders Abbott were able to offer in partnership with Babcock."
"I want to cover all aspects of the motor trade, and I intend to carry on my learning after I finish my apprenticeship. But an apprenticeship is the backbone of my career. Other courses will supplement the training of these three years. To date, electronics has been the most interesting of the modules I've worked on, but it's all enjoyable. Motor technology is continually changing, so you need to be someone who enjoys learning to stay on top of the role. There's always something new to get to grips with."
"The learning style of an apprenticeship is very hands on. A vocational coach from VTT visits me at work to assess what I've learned at regular intervals. Once I can demonstrate thorough working knowledge of a particular aspect of the job, then I will have 'passed' that part of the course, which goes towards my full qualification. My coach also gives additional support, answering any questions I have and filling in any gaps in my knowledge."
"The money isn't great at the start of an apprenticeship, but you need to look at the long term. This is a career that's full of great opportunities and very well paid, but only if you've put in the effort at the beginning. And you do get pay increases as you progress through your qualification, so you're already on the ladder the day you start your training."
|
|