Some very well recognised people started their careers as an apprentice and worked their way up … Jamie Oliver, Leonardi Da Vinci and David Beckham to name just a few… and things worked out OK for them.!
DAF’s Jignesh Khimani has a little way to go yet, but tells us what he likes about his job now, and where it’s going to take him.
Meet Jignesh Khimani
Age: 23
Age when you started your Apprenticeship? 18
Apprenticeship: Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Level 3
Can you summarise why you signed up for an Automotive Apprenticeship?
I’ve always been interested in vehicles. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do Light Vehicles or Heavy Vehicles. In the end I went with a Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship. A lot of the principles are the same anyway: electrics, combustion etc.
What’s the best bit about your Apprenticeship?
The people. The team I work with are great.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give somebody thinking about starting an Apprenticeship?
Stick with it! The first year can be rough because you’re new to it, and you may get given some of the mucky jobs. But it’s so worth it in the end because you’ll learn so much.
Was ‘earning while learning’ important to you?
Yes. I needed a salary, and though I could have gone to college or university, I wanted to start earning as soon as possible. But I also wanted to be trained properly and begin a proper career. So for me, a motor vehicle apprenticeship was a ‘no brainer’: it’s the best of both worlds.
What’s the best thing you have learnt while doing your Apprenticeship?
Be inquisitive. If a driver comes in with an issue, don’t take him at face value. Make sure to diagnose the issue; don’t take their word for it.
What career do you hope to follow after your Apprenticeship ends?
No question about it, I want to go into automotive management and get an HGV Licence.