Starting with a schools-based course at 16, Lewis quickly discovered his passion for automotive repair, eventually leading him to the IMI Skills Competition Finals. Currently completing an IMI Level 3 Qualification in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance, hear from Lewis on his journey so far.
Can you tell us about your career journey? What inspired you to join the automotive industry?
I started my automotive career when I was 16, I took part in a schools-based college course where I went to the college twice a week in the course we had 4 units electrical installation, fabrication, and motorcycle and automotive repair. I really enjoyed the automotive repair and decided the following year I would do a full-time course and that naturally led me to my apprenticeship.
Have you faced any challenges on your journey, and how have you overcome them?
During my second and third year our workshop faced staffing issues and with an aging fleet we became inundated with work. This meant we were considerably busier than usual and it was a struggle to keep up with demand for vehicles to be repaired and returned. this was beneficial to my development as it meant I was given bigger more complex jobs earlier into my apprenticeship than was expected from me.
How would you describe your competition experience so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. I’ve met people from all over, heard about their experiences in the trade, and even learned a few things from them that help me in my day-to-day life in the workshop. It allowed me to get further in depth in my diagnostic skills than I usually would and helps me prove to myself that I know more than I think I do.
How do you think the competition will help you with your career?
I think it will help me in my career as its given me opportunity to learn how to diagnose things I normally wouldn’t get to experience such as gearboxes and EVs, and it means now I will be more confident in the workshop and will allow me to tackle bigger jobs more confidently.
What does it mean for your organisation to have a finalist in the competition?
We are delighted to have 2 finalists in this year’s Heavy Vehicle competition. Hopefully it demonstrates the quality of training being provided, especially by Lewis and Kieran’s employer Fife Council.
Martin MacKenzie, Automotive Lecturer, Fife College
How do you see the skills needs of the automotive industry changing over the next few years?
Given the industry move towards Electric, Hybrid and Hydrogen technologies, the traditional technician is going to require greater skills and knowledge than ever before.
What advice would you give to other employers/colleges looking to get involved in the competition?
It can be difficult getting students to compete if you have never been involved with WorldSkills before as an organisation. Once you get the first few engaged, and they share their stories, experiences and successes, then everyone wants to be involved. We only had one student who wanted to compete back in 2014 and since then we have had 10 finalists in total across Light Vehicle & Heavy Vehicle categories, including 2 students competing in this year’s HGV finals.
Fife College has had a commitment to WorldSkills for more than a decade now and we have seen the clear benefits it brings to both students and the college. However, we do fear for our future participation as funding cuts to Further Education in Scotland jeopardises our ability to resource our involvement.
Find out more about the IMI Skills Competition.
