From complete beginner to Bodyshop Magazine 30 Under 30 Rising Star and IMI Skills Competition competitor, Tayla's journey is proof that passion, hard work and a willingness to learn can take you far in the automotive industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the automotive industry and how did you get started?
When I first came across the job, if I'm honest, it was because it was very close to my house. I was intrigued by it, so I decided to look into it more. When I googled it and watched some videos, I thought it seemed quite interesting. I went along, and they took me in for a test day because they thought I might not like it. However, I loved it, so I stayed, and I've been there ever since. I'm really enjoying it.
Can you walk us through your career journey so far?
I started right at the very bottom because I had no experience or knowledge of the industry. My mentors were my main teachers and helped me learn the job, while college supported me with the more technical side of things.
I picked it up quite easily because they threw me in at the deep end. I was painting straight away, prepping straight away and polishing straight away. That helped me get a feel for the work very quickly, and I realised I was really enjoying it.
I decided to enter the Bodyshop Magazine competition, and that's when I got a feel for these sorts of competitions. I then heard about WorldSkills through two friends I met at the Bodyshop Magazine competition. They encouraged me to go for it, and that's why I'm here now.
How would you describe your experience in the IMI Skills Competition?
My experience so far has been really positive. Everyone involved has been very helpful and supportive, and the support I've received has been fantastic.
Taking part in competitions has definitely helped me gain new skills and knowledge. Learning different schemes has probably been the biggest challenge for me because things can be so different but so similar at the same time.
I've learnt new skills not only in painting and refinishing, but also through meeting people, socialising and learning about what they do within their companies. It's been really interesting to see how different people work and approach their jobs.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in the automotive sector?
If you're considering a career in refinishing, or the automotive sector in general, my advice would be to go for it. Especially if you're a bit shy or unsure, just give it a try. That's exactly what I was like, and I ended up really enjoying it. I genuinely love going to work, so I'd say just go for it.
If you're thinking about entering one of these competitions, I'd definitely recommend it. Even if you don't get very far, it's still an amazing experience. If you do progress, then that's an added bonus. The people you meet, the experiences you have and the opportunities you get make it incredibly rewarding. It feels great when you get through to the next stage, and I'd definitely encourage anyone who's considering it to go for it.
Find out more about the IMI Skills Competitions here.
