Kibble’s Skills Academy has given a young person the chance to gain the qualifications and work experience required to become a mechanic and turn their hobby into a potential career.
As a young boy, one Skills Academy student had an avid interest in cars, motorbikes and speedboats. There was always the hope of one day owning a powerful car, and growing up, as the years pass by and cars evolve, the ideal make and model may continue to change but the passion has remained stronger than ever.
The young person had a vision of becoming a car and motorbike mechanic, and The Skills Academy has brought his ambition to life. With an education and training centre based in Hillington as well as bases at St Mirren Football Club’s stadium and separate Training Complex, there are numerous subject choices, work placements and opportunities. It was the academy’s fully operational car garage that the aspiring mechanic set his sights on. The workshop maintains Kibble’s large fleet of vehicles and is the perfect learning environment for the young person.
The Mechanic Youth Trainer, Ross oversees servicing and maintenance and leads by example to all young people. Extremely knowledgeable in mechanics and always willing to help others, Ross is often found in the car garage at Hillington completing checks on Kibble vehicles across each location. He is a friendly face to everyone and prides himself on delivering exceptional service, ensuring the highest standards are met. Ross’ commitment is clear to see and he is a positive influence to students, showing them, you can have a rewarding career in a job you thoroughly enjoy.
Instructor Ross mentors aspiring mechanics.
The young person shared his experience of working towards SVQ and City and Guilds qualifications in mechanics: “I learn something new every day working at the academy’s garage with Instructor, Ross. It is absolutely amazing to get involved with the maintenance of the cars and have support from a professional mechanic like Ross. I would 100% work for Ross as a mechanic.”
“At the academy, I help repair cars and vans by fixing issues or completing a service. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in how cars and motorbikes work, and at the academy I am understanding more and more.”
“The next step is to go to college, possibly an apprenticeship then Formula 1!”
Instructor Ross motivates young people to set career goals.
Instructor Ross truly believes mentoring young people is the best part of his entire career. He continues to be impressed by the enthusiasm of those who want to enter the industry: “This young person is a natural mechanic – keen to ask questions, picks up practical skills quickly and has a sound understanding of the different parts and tools.”
“I have taught many talented young people, some of whom are now very successful qualified mechanics. This young person in particular is one of the most dedicated students I have ever taught. The young person, even if they can’t fix an issue (yet) is showing great promise in being able to problem-solve and identify where the area of concern is originating from. It has been a privilege to see their aptitude, skillset and knowledge increase since achieving their qualifications.”
Now, on the wishlist is a Transporter Golf R and a Volkswagen. However, the young person says he is already living his dream by working on vehicles every day.
Join Ross
Find out more about the career opportunities at Kibble that would suit you! This is your chance to join us in motivating young people.