When it was established in 2012, Mission Motorsport dared to be different. It chose the option of giving an opportunity to people who faced an uncertain future. Since those early days, the charity has broadened its offer and there are countless stories of graduates who have forged successful careers in the UK’s motor industry.
“We started out with just wounded, injured and sick service leavers,” explains Workshop Manager Aston Dimmock, who has been with the charity since it started. “And that has been extended to all service leavers, with our wider Mission Automotive programme.” Offering training at IMI Levels 2, 3 and 4, covering both vehicle and component modules, Mission Motorsport carefully curates the courses to meet the needs of its trainees, fully aware of their specific needs.
Along the way, Mission Motorsport has forged very strong relationships with car manufacturers such a JLR, Stellantis and Lotus. “We’ve directed around 1,500 people into the Jaguar Land Rover scheme,” says Dimmock, “while Stellantis is offering free training and guaranteed interviews for any of our beneficiaries.”
When qualified, graduates are able to go into a wide range of automotive environments, whether it’s a manufacturing facility, showroom or workshop. One thing that’s especially rewarding for Dimmock is the feedback that he and his colleagues get from service leavers who have passed their Mission Motorsport training and gone on to thrive in the automotive industry. “There are learners who have told us that their involvement with us has genuinely saved them,” he says. “We’ve picked up and taken on some people from very dark places and bought them through.”
Two specific Mission Motorsport success stories are Steven Skakle and Laurence Roke. While Skakle is currently going through training, Roke has successfully navigated the system and is now making a name for himself in the motor industry. These are just two of the hundreds of lives that have been changed for the better thanks to one charity and a team of dedicated people who give others a way back into civilian life.
Steven's Story
Steven Skakle first got involved with Mission Motorsport when he attended one of its recovery courses. He’s now on his way to gaining vital qualifications that will help him in the future. “I was placed at Tedworth House in Wiltshire and my main ambition was to achieve a mechanics qualification. I’m currently studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and it’s been a fantastic experience so far.
“The reason I chose the course was because I’ve always had a keen interest in cars and the automotive industry in general. Once I left the Army, what I really wanted to do was to become a vehicle mechanic and Mission Motorsport offered me a fantastic opportunity to fulfil my dream.
“If I’m honest, I don’t think I’ve come across a challenging part of the course. Part of that might be because I have prior knowledge of the topic, but also because I have a strong desire and determination to learn and pass the course.
“The most rewarding part of the training has been all the extra information that Aston has passed on to me, drawing from his own experience and knowledge. He really goes into depth and makes every lesson enjoyable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to second guess and stick with my first answer when faced with a problem. There’s a lot to be said for going with your gut instinct
“During my time at Mission Motorsport, I’ve learned a lot of technical skills that I never would have had if I hadn’t taken the course. Diagnostics is the key skill I’ll take away from this experience because it’s one of the most important skills that’s used in all sorts of garages around the country. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned in the classroom environment is the ability to listen to the whole class before we come to a conclusion about a situation or problem
that needs to be solved.
“When I complete my training, I hope to carry on working as a full-time mechanic, build up my portfolio and gain more auto qualifications, because it’s important to keep learning. My advice to anyone who gets the chance to attend any of the Mission Motorsport courses would be to grab the opportunity with both hands. The courses have a great atmosphere and all members of staff are very friendly and willing to help in any situation.”
Lawrence's Story
Laurence Roke was diagnosed with advanced cancer while serving in the Royal Navy, which resulted in a number of tumours in his liver and the removal
of both testicles.
“During a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, I had a gap of about three months where the Royal Navy gave me opportunities to recover physically and
mentally. One of those opportunities was a track day event at Goodwood where I met Mission Motorsport CEO James Cameron, who wanted to find out about me and how my treatment was going. He invited me to become a beneficiary of Mission Motorsport and a year later I was enrolled onto the IMI Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, IMI Level 3 Air Con, and IMI Level 2 EV courses.
“The most challenging part of my training was learning the theory behind electrical fault diagnosis, as I found out that I’d been doing some of it wrong for a long time. The most rewarding part was being Second Mechanic for the Mission Motorsport race car at the Race of Remembrance, and then racing a year later.
“Since completing the courses, I have gained a lot of confidence and I’m now an associate with the IMI with my membership and qualifications.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m still useful to society and have a lot to offer. After leaving Mission Motorsport, I spent two years with Jaguar Land Rover and I’m now an AA Roadside Technician, helping people who have broken down. This job gives me everything I need and everything I miss from the military: being a part of something, an element of danger, being on the side of busy roads, helping others in need and fixing vehicles.
“Since being medically discharged from the Forces, the AA has given me my identity back, as well as a real sense of purpose and pride. The tasks I face in my job require me to think on my feet, adapt, improvise and overcome many problems that go beyond just a breakdown. For example, I now help customers feel calm and in safe hands, and make sure they get to where they need to be.
“A lot of me had been lost when I was medically discharged from the Navy, but Mission Motorsport helped me regain everything and allowed me to see where I could go with my new qualifications. I will be forever grateful to them.
Discover how to become an approved IMI centre and help train the auto professionals of the future by going to Become an Approved Centre.
