What started with helping family fix their cars has grown into a thriving HGV apprenticeship for Kieran. Currently completing an IMI Level 3 Qualification in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance, hear from Kieran, and his training provider, Fife College, on his journey so far.
Can you tell us about your career journey? What inspired you to join the automotive industry?
I started my apprenticeship in the summer of 2022 just after leaving school. I was always interested in working with my hands and an apprenticeship seemed like the right path for me. I have always been interested in cars and had fixed my own and helped fix family members cars before I’d even applied for an apprenticeship. That experience of fixing cars pushed me to apply, and when I saw it was a HGV apprenticeship it peaked my interest further. I do not regret my decision as I love every minute of my job.
Have you faced any challenges on your journey, and how have you overcome them?
I suppose most of the challenges along the way have been when I am faced with something I have never seen before, diagnosing the problem with the vehicle and how to fix it. The only way to learn is to do it and when you’ve done it once, it gets easier. I have also learned to ask more experienced mechanics for advise and then logically work it out.
How would you describe your competition experience so far?
My experience so far has been amazing, I love the fact I get to test what I have learned against other similarly skilled people and see how I perform under a time pressure. It was fun completing all the different tasks at the qualifiers – a few of them were brand new to me so it was interesting getting to do stuff I wouldn’t normally do at work.
How do you think the competition will help you with your career?
I think it will help in the fact that applying for this shows a genuine interest in the automotive industry, and I think employers would want that in a mechanic. Performing well in a competition such as this shows people that you are one of the best apprentices anyone could ask for.
How would you describe your competitor?
Kieran has always been enthusiastic from the beginning of his apprenticeship; he has a passion for cars and frequently works on his own car to improve its performance. He always turns up for his work on time and keen to get started. He is confident in using diagnostic equipment to ascertain problems and faults.
What does it mean for your organisation to have a finalist in the competition?
As an organisation we are over the moon to have Kieran competing at the finals of this competition. I would say it shows the training Kieran has received has been to a high standard. A special mention should be given to his journeyman Robert as well, for developing and mentoring Kieran over the past 3 years to assist him getting the end result of being an HGV mechanic.
Martin MacKenzie, Automotive Lecturer, Fife College
How do you support and develop young talent within your organisation?
As a mechanic with many years in the trade/industry, I have always enjoyed passing on the knowledge I have gathered to other colleagues and the young people/apprentices who come to the organisation. The industry is always evolving and as the say every day is a school day. Young or old.
How do you see the skills needs of the automotive industry changing over the next few years?
The automotive industry is fast changing and relies on young people willing to take a keen interest, keeping up to speed with the changes. Young people are fluent with modern technology which is becoming a main feature in the motor trade.
What advice would you give to other employers/colleges looking to get involved in the competition?
I would say it is a great thing to be a part of as you are competing with the top manufacturers and local government employees across the UK. You are putting yourself on the map for being noticed from other companies as well, and that also creates healthy competition.
I would just like to wish Kieran all the best and hopefully he can win the competition. Regardless of the result, we are proud he has gotten this far.
Find out more about the IMI Skills Competition.
