“I was always interested in cars so I decided to turn my passion into a career, knowing that it would always be something I would enjoy.”
He enrolled on a Level 2 motor vehicle maintenance course at the College’s Coleraine campus, and this was his stepping-stone to a Level 3 apprenticeship and present position with Edwin May.
Alastair, who is now in his early ‘thirties, said that with so many options available today for school leavers, it can be hard to know what the next step should be.
“I would encourage school leavers to consider all the options available and to make decisions based on what they want to do with their future, not just what other people think is best,” he said.
He added that, when he enrolled on the Level 2 course as an 18-year-old, he was older than most of the other students in his class.
“I chose motor vehicle because it’s what I personally wanted to do and therefore was very focussed and keen to learn,” he said.
As a Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprentice, Alastair was employed by Edwin May. He spent four days each week in the garage’s workshops, putting into practice the theory he was being taught during his one day in college.
He said his time at the College’s Farm Lodge campus gave him a great foundation for his future career as a Master Technician. “The College workshop had a variety of different models and makes of cars, so we were able to develop a good understanding and knowledge of the general principles of vehicle maintenance and repair,” he said.
With Volkswagen committed to the ongoing professional development of staff, Alastair is continuing to build on his skills and knowledge through the company’s comprehensive training programmes, which focus on the specialist skills required to work at a factory standard set by the Volkswagen group.
As a Volkswagen Master Technician, he mentors other technicians and provides them with technical advice and support as required.
“Vehicles are rapidly becoming more advanced, so technicians need to be kept up to date with the evolving technology, whether it’s mechanical, electrical or simply improving diagnostic techniques,” he said.
“Specialist skills and knowledge are increasingly important in the car industry today and highly skilled and qualified technicians will be always in demand.”
The Level 2 Motor Vehicle Traineeship is offered at the College’s Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey campuses and Level 3 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship is offered at Ballymena and Newtownabbey.
A Level 4 course in Advanced Automotive Studies, validated by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and short part-time Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair leisure courses are also available.
Northern Regional College offers traineeships and apprenticeships in other subject areas including Brickwork, Carpentry & Joinery, Engineering, Plumbing, Hospitality and Tourism and Professional Chef.