What have you done since school?
I went to Barton Peveril College and studied Business Studies, Electronics and Geography. I had done well at school and felt that I was only given the option of going to college even though I didn’t really want to go. I left college and did some part time work at a Go-Kart racetrack and continued with my passion for tinkering with bikes and cars at home. I found out about the apprenticeship scheme in mechanics and was lucky enough to be accepted and be the successful applicant for the job at Hampshire Fire and Safety.
What made you choose this career?
I have always enjoyed working on my motocross bike and tinkering with cars at home and this developed into my passion.
Describe a typical day?
I start work at 8am and go into the office to get my job card for the day. This gives me an indication of the type of work I will be undertaking on vehicles. I can be working on various different fire brigade vehicles from Range Rovers, Volvo Fire Engines, officer’s cars and even work on turntable ladders! I have lots of variety and am gaining a huge amount of experience.
From our depot, we repair all the trucks across the whole of Hampshire. We also do all of the services on the vehicles, which includes changing the oil and filters. We service around 200 vehicles each year.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I like everything about my job! I enjoy working on different vehicles and gain lots of knowledge and support from my colleagues.
Where would you like to be in 3 - 5 years time?
I would really like to continue working for Hampshire Fire & Rescue and am looking forward to moving to the new Eastleigh Depot .
I am hoping to join the Fire Service, as you can be a mechanic as well being a fire fighter.
What would you say to encourage other people into doing an Apprenticeship?
I think it is advantageous to be in a work environment gaining experience and new skills. I attend training to undertake my NVQ at college on a weekly basis and can apply the skills I am gaining at work to my college course. I think that earning and learning is a good idea too!
What would you say to encourage other people into your occupational area?
Choosing the area you get into should be a personal choice and I think that everyone should do a job they enjoy!
How do you find the combination of work and studying?
I find it works really well for me. I like working 4 days a week and then going to college one day. I don’t find there is too much work to do outside of work except for revision.
Anything else?
Attending a full-time college course is not for everyone. I wish I had become aware of apprenticeships in my last year at school. In some ways, I wish that I had not gone to college and started my apprenticeship earlier.