Ben Brown age 23, took part in the 2015 Skill Auto competition where he won Silver at the final of the Skills Show in Automotive Technology. He attended North Warwickshire and Hinckley College where he was an apprentice.
How did you hear about entering the competition?
I heard about the competition via my team leader at the time who then became my mentor helping me train for the competition.
The College (NWHC) I work for, took students to the Skills show every year as a trip to allow them to talk to companies at the show and watch the competitors work.
Attending my first year of the Skills Show in 2014, I won my heat at the reginal finals at JLR and then went onto come 4th in the Final at the NEC which I was over the moon about. I was nervous the first year because it was all new and I was still getting used to working to a time restriction and trying to earn maximum points but loved every minute of the competitions. Competing the first year gave me a real drive and desire to come back the following year to better my position and see how well I could do.
In 2015 I won my heat at the reginal finals again held at JLR and then attended the Skills show final where I came 2nd. The second time around I was more relaxed which helped me massively with the competition, I was more aware how long I had and could manage my time much more efficiently trying not to miss any steps.
Why did you decide to take part?
I decide to take part to push myself and to build my confidence up (I was never a confident person when it came to exams and competitions) and the Skills show really helped me over this. As well it increased my knowledge on how to diagnose vehicles in a pressured and timed situation.
The extra training I got from my mentor, tutors at the college and the companies the Skills show work with was a massive help and it really pushed my knowledge and ability to the next level. Also, I got to work with the most up to date vehicles and equipment which I previously not had the opportunity to work with.
Has it helped you in your work/career and general learning?
The show has helped me massively within all aspects of my job allowing me to give up to date information to the students in the college to push their own knowledge and help them further themselves. I can pass on things I have learnt about repairing and finding faults that can happen to vehicles to hopefully one day they themselves can put what has been said to practise. As well I have the confidence to stand up in front of a class and teach them.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about taking part?
My first bit of advice would be to take part in the Skills Show competition I cannot say enough how it has helped me improve my own ability and knowledge and it was one of the best experiences I have had. I know it’s easy to say but don’t panic put what you have learnt into practise think about what you are doing before doing it. Don’t over think and do the basic checks first because that can send you down the wrong path and miss points and may end up with the wrong diagnostic conclusion.
The people who work for the IMI, who organise and help at the competitions and the final are brilliant they make it so enjoyable and stress free and I cannot thank them enough for what they do. Also the judges are brilliant with a wealth of knowledge and are always approachable and friendly.
Most importantly enjoy yourself you should be proud of what you have achieved.
Want to register your interest for the next Skill Auto Competition?
Register here: http://www.autocity.org.uk/index.php/competitions-events/
