Apprenticeship is the perfect learning pathway for mechanic James
Warwickshire County Council is committed to apprenticeships as a great way of giving young people the skills they need to pursue a chosen career - to the benefit not only of themselves but their employer. James T Wixey, 21, currently serving an apprenticeship in the Warwick workshop of County Fleet Maintenance, reflects on the value of his apprenticeship and the work experience which preceded it.
"I can genuinely say that I have learned something new every day. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of getting the job done right, first time, every time."
I first came to County Fleet Maintenance to get some work experience. A year later a vacancy for an apprentice Vehicle Technician came up - I applied and got the job.
My earlier work experience proved to be very useful, both in terms of preparing me for my interview and giving me a taste of the world of full-time work. I know it's not always easy to get work experience but it's very much worth it as it helps you understand the job and what will be expected of you in the workplace.
That was two years ago. I can't believe it's two years - the time has just flown by. I'm even starting to believe my mum when she says that ''time passes more quickly when you get older!"
On my first day as an apprentice everyone was very welcoming and friendly. My previous work experience helped me know what to expect. I spent my first year working with Scott Smith, senior vehicle technician, with the majority of our work on police vehicles.
From my first day I was learning. Learning about the vehicles and how to service them. I can genuinely say that I have learned something new every day. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of getting the job done right, first time, every time. After a year with Scott I was moved to work with Chris Young, another senior vehicle technician. Chris works on the larger vehicles and buses. The change of mentor gave me exposure to air brakes, air suspension systems and large capacity diesel engines. The work was different but I continued to learn. Again the main theme was the importance of accurately diagnosing problems and getting the repair right first time.
After two years I had completed the formal (college-based) element of my training. I will be awarded with my certificate later this summer. The training has been tough and rigorous but I have enjoyed it. Although my training at college has finished there is still a lot to learn. Within days of finishing my final college session I was made painfully aware of this fact when my manager asked me to replace the clutch and flywheel on a Nissan 4 x 4 - a major complex job on a large, complex vehicle. The scope for mistakes was immense. It was the largest single job I had ever attempted without the direct supervision of my mentor.
For a second or two I felt sick. Was I ready for a job of this complexity? Well it seems I was. Even before I got the vehicle on the ramp I'd been given tips on how best to tackle the job. Although I was now working on my own I was not alone. Everyone was there to help and advise me. Another big lesson was being learned: At work you are part of a team and if one person in the team is allowed to fail then the whole team has failed.
The Nissan job was a success. I was pleased and, although I had the benefit of some good advice, I felt I had proved myself. It was a good feeling. Within a day of finishing the Nissan I was replacing the cylinder head on a Mercedes. The cost of the parts alone exceeded my monthly salary! Spurred on by my success with the Nissan, and with the knowledge that the team were there if I needed help, I complete the task in just over 20 hours and we have charged the customer almost £4,000 plus VAT!
My college education is complete but I'm still on a steep learning curve. In many senses, ''every day is still a school day.'' I'm happy with my choice of career. My colleagues are very supportive and I'm benefiting from getting a great deal of variety in my day to day work.