A business owner from Haverhill is helping the next generation of mechanics accelerate their careers thanks to a link up with West Suffolk College
Dave Wilson, set up Drive Green Vehicle Services based on Homefield Road five years ago.
Around 12 months ago, the kindhearted boss reached out to his local college to offer work experience placements to learners.
(Every student who takes part in a full-time vocational course at West Suffolk College (that is part of Eastern Education Group) has to accrue a work industry placement).
After filling in some paperwork, he took on a student called Michaela and since then, he has taken on four other learners. And one has even ended up getting a part time job.
Dave thinks it’s a no brainer to give young people opportunities – particularly as the industry is suffering from a current skills shortage.
(The Institute of the Motor Industry predicted in 2022 that 160,000 vacancies in the sector will need filling by 2031).
Mr Wilson explains how it all came about. He said: “It started with our first work experience with Michaela. I then offered others who were struggling to find placements an opportunity -and it has snowballed from there.
“We are six months into the project and we have helped out five students so far. We give them supervision and its good for them to get some real-life experience in the trade – and to help them develop.
“They’ve all been given their own uniforms and people in the industry sometimes moan that there is not enough mechanics, so unless we help the young generation move forward, then how will there be any more people coming through.
“The dream is to take people on and we have already given one of the students (Leo) a part time role.
“My message to other businesses is to help out. It’s not overly time consuming and the link with the college has been really, really good.”
Ahmet Ipek, 18, from Haverhill is on a level 2 car maintenance course. He said: “I’ve been here three weeks and it has been amazing. The staff are lovely. I’d like to thank Dave – he has taught me lots.”
Leo Nash, 17, from Haverhill is on a level 3 motor sport course. He said: “I have been here four months and I’ve got a paid part time role. I’ve seen growth in myself and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. Thanks to Dave – he is the reason the trade won’t die down.”
Bradley Johnson, 17, from Haverhill is on a level 1 vehicle maintenance. He said: “I’ve loved every part of it and I have gained so much confidence. This is helping to kickstart my career. I’d like to thank Dave for boosting my confidence and skills.”
William Chen, 19, from Keddington is on a level 1 vehicle maintenance course. He said: “It’s been going amazingly well. We get to do hands on work. If I don’t understand at college, we get to practice it over here. I’ve been here six months. Thanks to Dave it has helped build up my skills.”
Zoe Goody is an Eastern Education Group work placement officer. She said: “Dave has been professional, extremely helpful, he has a passion for education, he is encouraging other employers to take on our learners and he is a great role model for our students and the industry. He goes above and beyond and is incredible. A massive thanks to him for all his support.”
