Working together has proven the ideal formula to drive future business for dad and daughter, Malcolm and Chloe.
Chloe’s skills are motoring ahead after choosing to embark on an apprenticeship with her dad in the driving seat at Stockton’s Maltech garages.
“I like the fact that every day is different, and I get to learn on the job,” said the 17-year-old, who admits when it came to leaving school, she had no idea which direction to take.
As the countdown to National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 5-11) gets underway, the young apprentice has found it is a route that works for her.
It was helping out at her dad’s garage over the summer, and a growing passion for stock car racing (watching not racing), that no doubt influenced her choice.
More of a practical hands-on learner, she said: “I knew I didn’t want to be in the classroom full-time, so when the option came up to work with my dad in the garage, I decided to give it a go.”
Her motor vehicle technician apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Stockton Riverside College. She spends four days a week in the workplace and one day at college.
Dad, Malcolm, is pleased Chloe has chosen to follow him into the trade. While it is hard work and changing all the time, particularly with the development of electric and hybrid vehicles, he said: “It has made a good career for me and now offers a great future for Chloe.
“When I was younger it was seen as one of the “easier” trades, but now it’s a very technical job, it is very electronic and computer based.”
For Malcolm, who has run his own business for 17 years, it has meant keeping on top of the changes and, going forward, he said it will be the same for Chloe.
Stockton Riverside College’s course leader for motor vehicle, Dave Hobson said: “Technology on cars is always changing but over the last five years the changes have been massive. It means that technicians have to update their technical skills throughout their careers.”
The college has just undergone a revamp of its motor vehicle facilities, integrating some of the latest technology, including an electric car training rig and a radar and camera calibration kit.
Offering full-time courses, T Level and apprenticeship training, Dave said: “There’s a national shortage of motor vehicle technicians and through our apprenticeships and courses we hope to be able to help with the supply chain of up-and-coming young talent.”
He added: “Chloe is doing a great job and gets positive feedback from all those she works with. Maltech has been good to us at the college, even giving tools and parts for the classroom.
“At the college we are always keen to work with local garages and dealerships to deliver apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.”
Stockton Riverside College is part of the Education Training Collective (Etc.) along with Redcar and Cleveland College, NETA Training, Bede Sixth Form, and Innersummit. To find out more about apprenticeship training across the group and current vacancies visit Apprenticeships | Stockton Riverside College email business@the-etc.ac.uk or call 01642 865557.
