Ben Grimwade - Motor Vehicle
Ben is on an Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair and works at Volkswagen in Barnstaple
Biography
Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
North Devon Campus
“I originally trained as a plasterer. However, work dried up during the recession so I started thinking about alternative careers.
I’ve always loved cars and really enjoy the challenge of getting something that’s broken working again. I’ve spent many a cold night on my driveway working on either my cars or my friends’ cars over the years. I relax when I work on cars – it’s my way of destressing.
Volkswagen in Barnstaple were looking for a service washer so I applied; this was my foot in the door. I then became a driver, collecting customers’ cars and bringing them into the garage.
After a while I sat down with my boss and said that I was keen to retrain and progress my career, so he called the college to ask about apprenticeship opportunities. Shortly after I had an interview for the motor vehicle apprenticeship and was offered a place.
An apprenticeship really suits my way of learning. I’m much better doing practical, hands-on work and learning on the job. The majority of assessments are practical assessments in the workplace, along with some multiple choice tests and written tests.
I’m so glad I made the switch from plastering. I find this industry so rewarding, as you’re working on someone’s pride and joy. I’d like to see how far I can get within this company, and hopefully work my way up to master technician one day. Then, perhaps, I’d think about setting up my own garage.”