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Young mechanics get early foot on career ladder

Two aspiring car mechanics are getting an early foot on the career ladder thanks to a County Durham family-run car garage.

School student Paul Bradshaw, 15, is learning the ropes at Gregg Little Testing Centre in Newton Aycliffe one day a week as part of his school’s Work Skills Programme with Woodham Academy.

The firm has also enlisted local 17-year-old Ben Clemmett on a diploma course through Darlington College, and are now looking to put him through an Apprenticeship.

It’s a commitment which shows a real desire to engage with education and encourage local young people into the world of work.

Business Development Manager Emma Little said: “Ben came to us from DISC, a local charity, looking for work experience and initially he came one day a week.

“He was quite shy and just needed a bit of confidence, and it’s been lovely to see him blossom in a working environment.

“He’s gone from work experience and a huge success with DISC to doing a diploma through Darlington Borough Council, and now we’re looking to take him on as an Apprentice, so it’s a really positive success story.

“Now Ben is much more confident. He loves working with cars and bikes and really gets stuck in.”

Gregg Little has proved the firm can provide a genuine opportunity for local people who have the right attitude to enjoy a job for life.

Brothers Norman Travis and Les Douthwaite, who both started at 16, now manage the garage and are encouraging their young recruits to learn.

Woodham student Paul is now reaping the rewards of their experience by getting real-life work experience.

The Work Skills Programme, piloted this year, was set up to support Woodham’s young people in moving successfully into post-16 into Education, Employment or Training, and is funded by the Improving Progression of Young People team.

Woodham’s Ms McGinnety said: “The programme has had a significant impact on Paul’s academic attainment, enabling him to see how the core subjects are used in the work place and make links between employer expectations and those of the school.

“Paul clearly enjoys his placement and regularly brings back positive reports. His self-confidence has gone through the roof as his mentor has allows him to take responsibility for aspects of his training.

“I am thrilled that the project is having such a positive influence on those students participating this year.”

Paul is clearly enjoying his weekly placement. He said: “I picked working in a garage because I like working with cars, and I’m really enjoying it. They’re all nice people and make me feel part of the team.”

Ben, meanwhile, has already planned his future career. “I want to become an MOT tester eventually,” he grinned.

“I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning to much at college and then bringing it into work, and it’s great.

“I get on really well with everyone, they help me loads. This is what I want to do, to become a mechanic, and it just feels right.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .