Apprentice Mechanic Jack Grainger, explains how a Saturday job cleaning cars turned into a career-starting Automotive Apprenticeship.
Read below, as Jack gives us an insight into why his top-tip to anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship is to “100% go for it”.
Meet Jack Grainger
Apprenticeship: Heavy Vehicle
What made you want to apply for this particular Apprenticeship?
When I was a teenager I started a Saturday job cleaning cars. This gave me a love of the automotive industry. I wanted to learn more about trucks, so I applied.
Did you consider going to university?
No, it wouldn’t have been for me at all. I wanted hands-on learning, rather than sitting in the classroom. University lands you in debt and with no actual work experience. The other way around is better for me.
What do you like best about your Apprenticeship?
Making friendships and building relationships with customers and colleagues.
Learning how to maintain trucks in a safe way. Learning to diagnose different faults on a truck.
How supportive have your work colleagues been of you?
Very supportive. They have helped me to understand trucks, maintain them, diagnose problems and fix them. I also get a lot of support with virtual learning on the Skillnet website.
How supportive has your coach been?
Very supportive. He keeps in regular contact and pushes me to go the extra mile.
Has doing the Apprenticeship helped you in any other areas of your life?
Yes. Building rapport with customers and colleagues. Basically, getting experience of a professional job and workplace.
What are your career plans once you’ve completed your Apprenticeship?
To become a fully qualified mechanic. And then stay on working at Harris DAF.
What would your advice be to someone who’s thinking of applying to do an Apprenticeship?
100% go for it. You earn while you learn. You learn how to stay financially viable.