​We are excited to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2024, an initiative that aims to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, we are sharing a different Q&A with a current or former Steven Eagell Group apprentice on our blog and social media, showcasing the many benefits apprenticeships offer employers and individuals. Each success story will feature participants sharing insights into their experience of completing an apprenticeship. 

Today we’re talking to Liam Mooney. Liam started as an Apprentice Technician in March 2023 and is based at our Toyota Northampton branch. ​ 

How did you find your apprenticeship? Why did you apply for an apprenticeship at Steven Eagell Group and what did the interview process involve?

I found my apprenticeship through an external recruitment website and I decided to apply because I thought Steven Eagell Group would be a great place for me to receive training and develop my knowledge.

The interview process included two interviews. The first was with my Aftersales Manager and the second was with my apprenticeship provider. During the recruitment process, I completed a variety of tests and exams via my apprenticeship provider, including maths and English exams and a general motor vehicle test.

What does a typical day look like for you? What are your day-to-day duties?

My day-to-day duties usually begin with ensuring the workshop is clean and tidy each morning so we’re ready for the day. I work with my mentor to service and maintain customers’ vehicles to a high standard, as well as collecting fuel to be used in PDI (new car sales) and providing help to other departments within the dealership, whether it be supporting the Parts department or helping our drivers carry out their duties.

How often do you attend college as part of your apprenticeship?

I usually attend a training centre every one to two months for one week at a time. The rest of the time I’m based at our Toyota Northampton branch.

Are you able to put the things you learn at college into practice at work?

I can incorporate everything I learn at the training centre into my practical work at Steven Eagell Group. For example, I was taught how to test certain electronic components on a vehicle. I was then able to take this knowledge and put it into practice to diagnose an electrical fault in a customer’s vehicle.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

One aspect of my apprenticeship that I’m enjoying most is the variety of jobs that we receive in the workshop. These jobs can vary from a simple service or tyre replacement, to replacing engines and clutches.

What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship? How do you think your apprenticeship will help you to achieve your future career goals?

Since starting my apprenticeship I have developed a diagnostic frame of mind that enables me to understand how vehicles work. This really helps with being able to diagnose faults with vehicles and solve issues for our customers.

Completing my apprenticeship will help me achieve my future career goals because I will be fully qualified in a trade that will always be in high demand. It’s also a great stepping stone to becoming a Vehicle Technician with even more qualifications and experience.

What kind of support/training do you receive at work?

At work I receive around eight hours per week to complete my off-the-job training. This can include online tests, revising, completing job cards or shadowing other Vehicle Technicians to see how they work.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. The main reason is there is an ideal combination of both theory and practical aspects of training. Completing an apprenticeship also provides much more in-depth learning opportunities than just learning at college.

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To view all of our current vacancies at Steven Eagell Group, including apprenticeship positions, please visit our careers page here.

Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels this week to read more Q&As with current and former apprentices gaining hands-on experience across our business, as part of our support for National Apprenticeship Week 2024.