Despite what many people think, you don’t have to be straight out of school (GCSES or ‘A’ levels) to start an apprenticeship. Motor vehicle apprentices, and customer service apprentices, can start at any age.
In fact, in some respects, the more mature automotive apprentices are valued: coming with other work experiences and a real desire to progress in the automotive industry.
Meet Eliott Dinnage
Age: 27
Age when you started your Apprenticeship: 23
Apprenticeship: Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Level 2
Can you summarise why you signed up for an Automotive Apprenticeship?
I got my first car at 17 and ever since then I’ve wanted to learn more about how they work and how to fix them . Google and YouTube videos can only show you so much.
Initially I wasn’t sure how to go about it, then I saw a Heavy Vehicles apprenticeship advertised. So I just applied. I passed the skills tests, basic English and Maths, and here I am.
What’s the best bit about your Apprenticeship?
The variety. Everyday there’s something different to learn, service or repair. I never get bored.
Was ‘earning while learning’ important to you?
Definitely. At 23 I was living away from home, so I had to pay rent and bills… and still do.
What’s the best thing you’ve learnt while doing your Apprenticeship?
It’s made me recognise and appreciate the high safety standards needed for trucks to be on the road. And that’s made me appreciate the standards I have to live up to. Doing that inspires a sense of self-respect, which I like.
What career do you hope to follow after your Apprenticeship ends?
I like where I work so I want to continue here and progress. I want to become a Master Technician, workshop foreman, then hopefully go into management.