We recently spoke to one of our Motor Vehicle apprentices, Timothy Hughes and his manager Armando Benvenga, getting a viewpoint from both the apprentice and the employer about how apprenticeships support both of them. Timothy is currently on a Level 3 IMI Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling working at a local garage, Autoelite Ltd.
Armando Benvenga had some great insights into being involved in the apprenticeship programme:
Tell us about your role.
Hi, I’m Armando, I’m a co-director at Autoelite, I’m responsible for running the business and having direct involvement in recruiting, this includes apprentices.
What are the main benefits to you and the company having an apprentice?
I really enjoy having apprentices because we get to develop them as individuals and as workers, it feels good to be responsible for their growth. It also saves us in the long run as recruiting staff takes time and money, and you’ll have to train new staff just like an apprentice.
What is the main way an apprentice adds value to the business?
Apprentices always seem to fit in easily and quickly become part of the team. They understand their roles and are happy to learn. In fact, many of our apprentices usually stay on after their apprenticeship which is fantastic for us.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to get involved in the apprenticeship programme?
I would 100% recommend the apprenticeship programme, we as a company enjoy investing in people and watching how they can become an integral part of the team, in fact we’re hoping to get more apprentices for next year.
Find out more about getting involved in our apprenticeship programme as an employer here: https://www.westherts.ac.uk/employers/apprenticeships
Timothy shared some fantastic stories from his time at Autoelite and how the apprenticeship has helped him as a person:
Tell us a bit about your current role.
I’m Timothy Hughes and I’m currently in an apprenticeship with Autoelite. I’ve been with the garage for 3 years now and I really enjoy working here as I get to learn a range of different aspects of motor vehicle, anything from services to diagnostics.
How has your apprenticeship helped you develop towards your future career?
The practical side of learning is fantastic, it’s not the same as just being in a classroom. But what I learn in my practical work helps back up my knowledge in the classroom and what I learn in the classroom helps with my work in the garage.
Do you get a lot of support from your team?
Yes, everyone is incredibly supportive, if I’m having trouble doing a task, I can always go to my manager for support, and the rest of the team are all equipped to help.
Do you have any advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
I’d highly recommend doing an apprenticeship with the college, the experience you’re able to gain from being in a workplace is so valuable to your growth.
Has your apprenticeship helped you understand your career prospects?
With an apprenticeship, you gain such a large range of skills, you can go anywhere with it. I enjoy being kept on my toes and doing different bits every day but I can get my qualifications to go in any area of motor vehicle I wish, if I wanted to go into air conditioners, I can gain my qualification with this, there’s so many routes to choose from.
We have a variety of apprenticeships starting in April, click here to find out more and apply: https://www.westherts.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships