There’s more to motor careers: Head of Academy & Organisation Development

Inspiration can come from many different places, but arguably the strongest is a family connection. It’s why Steve Hoe wanted to be part of the automotive sector and why he’s helping bring in new talent as Steer Automotive’s Head of Academy & Organisation Development

What made you choose automotive as a career?

My father was a skilled motor mechanic who owned an MOT and service centre. This environment wasn't just a workplace, it was where my fascination with vehicles and mechanical systems began. From an early age, I spent countless hours around the service centre, watching my father repair vehicles. His skill and dedication wasn’t just impressive, it was inspiring.

Being surrounded by car repairs captivated me by the intricacies of how things worked, especially mechanical systems, and the satisfaction of seeing a repaired car drive off in perfect condition. This early exposure was not just a hobby, it became a passion that shaped my future aspirations.

Once you’d made the decision, how did you make it a reality?

I took the initiative to gain practical experience by attending work experience at a local body shop. This was a pivotal moment for me. I loved every minute spent in that body shop, absorbing knowledge and skills. My enthusiasm and eagerness to learn did not go unnoticed.  

At the end of my work experience week, I was thrilled when the body shop invited me to return once I left school. I joined the body shop under the Youth Training Scheme (YTS), which was a popular pathway in 1986.  

Starting on the YTS allowed me to gain hands-on experience and formal training simultaneously. The structured learning environment provided by the scheme, combined with the practical real-world experience in the body shop, was invaluable. I was exposed to a wide range of tasks and challenges, each teaching me something new about vehicle repair.

What was your career journey to your current role?

The next significant chapter of my career was joining my father in our small family business. Working as a multi-skilled technician, I was exposed to a range of tasks that further honed my abilities. My father emphasised the importance of a strong work ethic, problem-solving, planning, process efficiency, and quality.  

After gaining substantial experience in the family business, I made the difficult decision to move to a council-owned body shop as a workshop foreman. Despite being a challenging transition, this role allowed me to stay productive while getting exposed to the latest equipment and training.  

The most transformative phase of my career began when I joined AW Repair Group with the intention to grow alongside the business. At the time, AW Repair Group was a single small site. Over the next 20 years, I was fortunate to witness and contribute to its expansion and success.

Starting as a workshop controller, I progressed to production manager and eventually became the general manager of the headquarters and prestige site. My journey culminated in a group position where I used my background to develop new sites and drive technical advancements.  

Why did you change your career direction into honing apprentices?

[It’s] driven by a passion for bridging the skills gap in the automotive industry and fostering the next generation of talent.

In 2022, AW Repair Group was acquired by Steer Automotive Group. At the time, I was serving as the Group Technical Development Executive, a role that involved staying future-focused on the latest repair techniques, equipment, and training. I was also responsible for managing motor manufacturer approvals and running our successful apprenticeship programme. My focus was on ensuring our team was equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, maintaining our competitive edge in the industry.

My passion for apprenticeships and skills development was a natural extension. Running the apprenticeship programme at AW Repair Group had been a highly rewarding experience. Seeing young people grow and excel in their careers, knowing that I played a part in their development, was incredibly fulfilling. The opportunity to expand this focus and take it to new heights with Steer Automotive Group was exciting.

At Steer Automotive Group, our aim is to attract talented young individuals and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. This commitment to excellence is not just about filling positions but about fostering a new generation of highly skilled professionals who will drive the industry forward.

Our programme is designed to ensure that apprentices receive comprehensive training, combining hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, aiming for the highest standards of excellence.

What advice would you give to someone starting out on their career journey?

Seek out opportunities for practical experience as early as possible. Apprenticeships and work experience are invaluable for learning the ropes and gaining on-the-job skills.

The automotive industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and repair techniques. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial; never turn down an opportunity to learn something new.  

Pursue additional certifications and training courses to keep your skills relevant. Get involved in skills competitions challenge yourself. committed to your professional development.

A strong work ethic is essential in the automotive industry. Be prepared to work hard, sometimes in challenging conditions, and always strive for excellence. Attention to detail, reliability, and a commitment to quality work will set you apart and build a solid reputation.

Listen to your mentor who can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer advice as you navigate your career. A good mentor can help you avoid common pitfalls and support your professional growth.

Having clear career goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Whether you aim to become a Senior Technician, VDA, Workshop Controller, Manager, or leadership, setting goals will provide direction and help you measure your progress.

Take a look at our 'There's More to Motor' website to see the campaign in action. Whether you're an individual or a business, we'd love for you to support our campaign by promoting it on social media, through emails and on your website. Download our toolkit and help us change the perception of the automotive sector.