Rachel joined Martec apprenticeship scheme in customer services and is at the end of her level 2. After working on reception on a temporary basis covering maternity leave for a company, they suggested that she go and gain her qualifications in a customer service and specifically look at an apprenticeship. Through this scheme the company offered her a position once the maternity cover had ended. Rachel has been doing a great job in assisting their customers with queries, problem solving and ensuring the customer has a positive outcome.

Rachel says ‘I covered a maternity reception position after a few smaller temping positions. Whilst I was there, they felt I did very well and suggested an apprenticeship. Martec offered the facility to follow the apprenticeship whilst still being paid by the company. I have now finished level 1 and look forward to starting my advanced apprenticeship.

Michael was introduced to Martec by his school after expressing an interest in cars and engines. Michael joined us for one of our open days to see what we could offer. He loved the fact he could train for a qualification whilst also earning a wage.

Michael says: ‘I completed the course with Martec Training and I have never looked back. I have always enjoyed the idea of working on cars and have an interest in this industry so when I met the people at Martec Training I knew it was right for me. I also loved the fact I could earn and learn. Martec have been amazing in supporting me through my course and even helped me find full time work through my placement. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done to put my career on the right track’.

Sophie came to Martec after leaving school and had always taken an interest in working with cars. Her grandfather and father both worked with cars and decided it was a career she would also like to follow.

Sophie Says:
‘I left Martec  having completed the ‘Light Vehicle Technician’ course, Level 2. Since then I have been successful in gaining full time employment. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do once I left school and attended an open day at Martec Training to find out what else was available to me other than traditional routes. I’m so pleased I did as they helped and supported me the whole way through. Without their guidance I wouldn’t have achieved everything I have done today’.

Jess is a motorcycle fanatic due to her parents influence as a youngster so naturally wanted to move on to working with motorcycles once leaving school. Through a career open evening held at Martec, Jess was provided with an opportunity join the apprenticeship scheme and given support by both Martec and her work placement to achieve excellent results. Jess worked exceptionally hard to achieve her apprenticeship and is now due to move to her Advanced Apprenticeship.

Jessica Says:
‘Motorcycles are a massive part of my life, so it made complete sense for me to work with them after I finished school. I found Martec training and went along to see what it was about. I am so pleased that I did as I now have the qualifications to help my career. I would eventually like to open my own business repairing Motorcycles.’

Jon followed the Martec Apprenticeship Scheme whilst working at Norman & Birch. His passion and enthusiasm for motorbikes was evident from his initial interview. On a day to day basis Jon carries out repairs and is responsible for the identifying faults. He works under health and safety regulations and helps to ensure the workshop is kept in an appropriate manner.

Jon Says:
‘ I enjoyed working in a real work environment for 4 days a week as I love working in a hands-on way’. The technical classes and knowledge I have gained through my apprenticeship at Martec has been fantastic. To top it off I earned a wage whilst studying for something I’m so passionate about’.

Josh left school and decided an Apprenticeship was the right direction for him. After dropping in to see us we discussed a number of options available and Josh decided Vehicle Parts would be right for him.

Martec introduced him to a local business that supported him throughout the Apprenticeship programme and is now in full time employment with the same company; managing their stock and database, liaising with customers externally and internally and co-ordinating deliveries. He operates sole responsibility for the parts counter and has the confidence to deal with the public face to face on a daily basis.

Josh Says:
‘When it came to thinking about leaving school I knew I didn’t want to go onto standard further education in a college. I really wanted to earn some money but had very little experience and knew it would be difficult to find a job where I could also learn a trade. I heard about Martec from school and decided to go and find out more. What really appealed to me is that I would earn money whilst learning a skill and earn a qualification. My placement was local to home and also to Martec which was a real advantage.

Simon joined Martec on an apprenticeship after leaving school, Martec organised a placement for Simon at a local business in Stone. His position was to assist the business administrator with day to day tasks and reception duties. Simon fully engaged in his role whilst on his Apprenticeship and as the business grew there was a full time role offered at the end of his Apprenticeship. Simon has helped introduce and roll out new procedures which are working very effectively.

Simon Says:
‘I was introduced to Martec by a friend who also followed the Apprenticeship scheme at Martec. I wanted a career and wasn’t too sure where to start after I finished school. Business Admin really appealed to me and Martec found me a great placement local to my home in Stone. Since then I have progressed into full time employment and also instigated some changes which have also proved successful’.

We met Sarah at an open day held by her school. After discussing a number of options for Sarah she decided that a traineeship would be suit her, with no work experience at that point Sarah didn’t feel she would be successful with job applications and wasn’t keen to follow a traditional college course.

Sarah enrolled onto the course and we found her a suitable work experience placement in administration. Sarah worked here whilst also gaining further skills in Maths and English. Sarah excelled in her work placement and the company were able to offer her a position at the end of her 6-month course. Sarah is still part of the company but has gone on to complete an Apprenticeship through the same company.

Sarah says:
‘Leaving school was very daunting and I was very unsure of the path I wanted to take, I knew I didn’t want to go to college, but I wasn’t sure what else there was for me. I met with the staff from Martec and I felt confident that there was something for me other than a college course. I wanted to gain work experience whilst earning qualifications and skills. It also left time for me to go and find paid work too. My placement helped me lead onto an apprenticeship at the same company and they have been fantastic in supporting me ever since along with the staff at Martec. I would highly recommend Martec to anyone’.