Jon Morgan
We have limited experience of apprentices, the last one we had (who left 2 years ago) was only keen to pimp his ride & showed no interest in developing his skillset.
From day one we told him electronics & diagnostics were key to a successful future in the motor trade.
He had access to the largest VAG technical library i have ever seen (compiled with a lot of hard work), access to the VAG training website, a good selection of diagnostic equipment & techs willing to teach him how to use it........
He rarely asked questions on how stuff works & never took any interest in the job.
He now spins filters at Toyota & does MOT work.
Careers officers in schools need educating - the motor trade is no place to be pushing academic failures with no interest towards progressing in life & developing new skills.
The stories are rife of local garages employing no hopers with no motivation - things must change or this trade is going to be in crisis in a few short years.
At least main dealer training is still ongoing, but seems to be largely attended by those looking for a free dinner & a desk to sleep on.
James, you are very lucky.
Technicians attending your courses aim to be the best at what they do. training at your level is rewarding.
A friend of mine recently started work at a technical college to train level 3 - he lasted 2 x days before he went back to shop floor Master Tech.
No structure to the training & no interest from either students or college staff were his reasons for giving it up as a dead loss.
On Monday he was keen, by Wednesday he was suicidal.
Probably looks like I just had a rant - sorry....
