Why did you choose an apprenticeship and why automotive?
I was doing Level 2 in college, but I felt I wasn't able to build my skills or build the fundamentals I needed in order to progress within my career.
What does your day-to-day life look like as an apprentice?
I would say my day-to-day life as an apprentice looks like working with my mentor, being able to assist other mentors when they need help and being able to build up my skills and knowledge.
What were your perceptions on the industry before you joined and what are your perceptions now?
I always thought the automotive industry was a good industry, somewhere where you can really learn and build your practical skills and always share on with other people.
Has it exceeded your expectations being at Kia or was it what you expected?
My expectations have been exceeded by Kia and definitely feel like everything's organised and very free flowing.
Have you had more access to tools and technology even more than you expected and has that been a good experience being at the academy?
I would say so, being able to have access to Global Service Way (GSW), being able to use technical tools.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would say it's an absolute no brainer. There's no way you can skip out an opportunity like that.
Is that down to the experience and then also the career opportunities that you can get?
I would say so, yes, because you can take many different paths for the future.
What would you say are the main benefits of being an apprentice?
Being able to learn from your mistakes, make mistakes, obviously benefit other people, and being able to build your skills.
Do you have a mentor as well who helped you through the different steps and stages?
Yes, and I feel like I can always get assistance from my mentor. It helps you build your confidence and you're never afraid to ask or fail.
So, at the Kia Academy, what equipment do you have access to and tools within the workshop?
We have a wide range of tools. We have built in worktop benches which have specialised tools for working on the Kia vehicles. We have screens that you're able to access technical data and we have state-of-the-art brand-new vehicles ranging from electric vehicles to petrol vehicles.
Do you find that the Kia offering through Skillnet is vastly different to other programmes you've seen?
I would say Skillnet and Kia branded up very well and have really been able to give the apprentices an opportunity that they can't miss.
What courses are you doing within the Kia Apprenticeship programme?
Throughout the Kia Apprenticeship programme, throughout my Level 3, I'll be doing several courses such as the IMI Level 1 ADAS, the IMI Level 1 Hydrogen Fuel Cell and the IMI Level 3 F Gas along with the IMI Level 3 EV and I will become a fully-fledged Kia certified technician. It would help me build my confidence, be able to give me independence working on my own.
Find out more about becoming an apprentice here.
