After making the move from office work into the automotive industry, Leah has developed a wide range of technical skills while building confidence through competitions, training opportunities with Sytner BMW and industry networking.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the automotive industry, and how did you get started?
What inspired me really was my brother. He's a mechanic, and I used to work in an office. Whenever I went to visit him at work, it just seemed like a much better atmosphere. It didn't really feel like work.
It wasn't repetitive. You could move around, do different things every day and speak to different people. It just seemed like a much more comfortable place to work, so I thought it might be something I could do.
I started looking into it and came across a BMW apprenticeship for a bodyshop technician. I didn't really know what a bodyshop technician did at the time, so I went away, watched videos, did some research and then applied for it.
What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship?
I've learned a variety of skills already. I've learned how to respray a whole car, carry out dent repairs and complete panel preparation and painting work.
I've also started posting my work online, so I'm learning about social media alongside the practical side of the job.
Going to college has been really good as well because it's a nice change of environment. You get the classroom side of things, but you're also doing practical work and meeting other people in the industry.
A big part of the apprenticeship has been learning how to manage myself. I'm given jobs to complete from start to finish on my own, so I've learned how to work efficiently, prioritise jobs, organise my day and make sure deadlines are met.
How would you describe your experience in the IMI Skills Competition?
I first found out about the competition through Huw Stevens at 3M, who is our representative in Cardiff. He came in and spoke to us when we had a new apprentice starting and mentioned WorldSkills UK.
I'd never heard of it before then and didn't even know it existed, but so far it's been amazing.
It's been such a great experience. Even just the training day today has been brilliant because I've been able to learn a new paint scheme and pick up skills that I'll be able to use every day, regardless of the products I'm using.
There have also been opportunities like this interview, getting involved with social media, building my own profile and connecting with other people in the industry. It's been really good and I've loved it.
What would you say to someone thinking about entering a skills competition?
I would definitely say go for it. I was hesitant when I first saw it, but I kept thinking about it and eventually decided to apply. It's honestly been one of the best decisions I've made.
It's for everyone, really. I wouldn't have thought it was something I would do personally, especially being a woman and not coming from a background where I've always been heavily interested in cars. But it's been great fun, and the days go really quickly.
Even if you only get through to the first stage and don't make it to the finals, it's still an amazing experience. You learn so many skills just from taking part.
Being watched and assessed teaches you confidence, which is something you need in the job anyway. It's a great way to develop your career, learn new skills and gain experience.
It's also a really good thing to have on your CV. You can't really go wrong by putting yourself forward and giving it a go.
Find out more about the IMI Skills Competition here.
