One of our Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprentice, Richard Pound, started an apprenticeship with Langley Autocraft, a leading car garage based in Kings Langley. He is now qualifying and wanted to share his experience as an apprentice. Richard's manager, Aaron Marsh, also spoke to us to show the benefits of hiring an apprentice.
Aaron Marsh had only positives to say about hiring an apprentice with us:
Tell us about your role.
My name is Aaron marsh, I work at Langley Autocraft and I have 2 apprentices from the college. I started at Langley Autocraft at 19 years old as an apprentice myself but I’ve made my way up throughout the years to a director of the company.
What are the main benefits to you and the company having an apprentice?
Apprentices bring a vast amount to the company, they’re young, enthusiastic and always looking to help out. In my opinion without apprenticeships, the motor vehicle industry would be a dying trade.
What is the main way an apprentice adds value to the business?
Apprentices are valuable members of the team, they keep the work going in the company. We treat them just the same as anyone else in the team. Starting as an apprentice myself, I understand the career progress that can start with apprenticeships.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to get involved in the apprenticeship programme?
I think it’s great for companies to get involved in the apprenticeship programme with the college. Apprentices need time and support, and you yourself will need to put the hours in to support, but the impact you see from how the apprentice grows and supports your company is 100% worth it.
Find out more about upskilling your current staff with an apprenticeship or getting involved as an employer here:
Richard shared some fantastic stories about working at Langley Autocraft and what he has learnt during his apprenticeship:
Tell us a bit about your current role.
My name is Richard Pound, I’m on a Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship but I will soon be qualifying, I do such a range of different jobs at my apprenticeship including, testing and repairing clutches, running diagnostics, taking part in MOTs and even washing cars if I need to.
How has your apprenticeship helped you develop towards your future career?
I really enjoy learning on the job and getting stuck in. I enjoy learning about the trade and the roles of a garage. I’m one of those people who much prefer visualising my work so learning while working on my apprenticeship is ideal for me, I learn by getting my hands dirty.
Do you get a lot of support from your team?
My manager is very supportive, he supports my development while I’m working but also helps outside of work on any projects I have going on, the rest of the team are always happy to help with anything.
Do you have any advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
I would certainly recommend an apprenticeship, just make sure you’re willing to put in the graft and be prepared to work hard but the more work you put in the more you’ll get out of it.
Has your apprenticeship helped you understand your career prospects?
I’ve always known I’ve wanted to work with cars, cars are such a huge passion for me, I remember when I was little I would always point out cars to my parents and asking questions. It’s been amazing to learn so much about my dream job. I actually have a second car which I’m using as a side project to my work, I’ve been doing many modifications to it and I’ve got many more planned, I can’t wait to see the final product.
We have a variety of apprenticeships available, click here to find out more and apply: