12th Feb 2025
This National Apprenticeship Week, we are shining a spotlight on Megan, an autocare apprentice whose journey so far shows that hard work and commitment really pay off.
Born to be a mechanic
Megan's interest in cars began years ago, learning to drive a quadbike which she helped her Dad to repair. Megan explained:
“When I was seven my dad bought a classic Ford Popular, and together we rebuilt that from the shell. Both my granddads were mechanics, one for the Royal Marines and the other was a motorbike mechanic, so I've been around mechanics for most of my life.”
Why an apprenticeship?
Megan decided that an apprenticeship was the right route for her because she wanted to do something practical and hands-on. After completing her GCSEs, she sent out her CV to local garages asking if they would consider taking on an apprentice. Megan ensured she could get to each workplace by bus, as she hasn’t yet passed her test.
Megan landed an apprenticeship with WREX Racing in Steventon, where she works alongside experienced mechanics, gaining invaluable real-world skills while completing her studies on the Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprenticeship course one day per week at college.
The combination of academic theory and hands-on practice has helped Megan build a skill set that will boost her future job prospects.
Making connections
As well as studying, Megan has used her time at college to make friends with who she discusses the challenges faced and knowledge gained in their jobs. Megan's determination and motivated attitude recently contributed to her winning the Apprentice of the Month award, and her line manager Sarah said:
"Megan is by far the most enthusiastic and diligent apprentice that we have ever had or could ever hope for. Megan approaches every task with a genuine interest in learning and doing the best job she possibly can. She takes instructions well, isn't afraid to ask questions, and is a very quick learner! She is an asset and a joy!
A typical day
Day to day work at the garage includes a wide range of jobs, from working on a chassis change on a Land Rover Defender 50 series to axle changes on Jeeps. When asked if she prefers working on older cars or newer models, Megan explains:
“Older cars are more complicated because you don't have the right tools; they have different measurements because you've got metric and imperial, and you never know the right size so there is more guess work involved.”
What next?
Today, Megan is on track to complete her Level 2 apprenticeship and is already considering her next steps on the Level 3 next year. After her apprenticeship, Megan would like to be able to work independently and to do MOTs and become an expert at diagnostics. She hopes to one day own an MG Midget, originally built here in Abingdon.
Megan hopes her experience encourages more girls to become mechanics. Her advice is: “It might be hard to start with, but we will need more mechanics in the future so just go for it.” With her passion, dedication, and tenacity, Megan is undoubtedly paving the way for future generations of women in the automotive industry and is an inspiring example of our College vision to Be You. Be Extraordinary.
