Abbie feels at home under the bonnet...
TEENAGER Abbie Rose is training to be a mechanic after embarking on an apprenticeship. The 18-year- old, from South-East London, attended the Harris Academy in Peckham.
She enrolled on a mechanics apprenticeship with Pimlico Plumbers, which has a head office in Waterloo, Central London, and will complete the qualification in 2019.
‘I’ve grown up with cars, so I’ve always had a keen interest,’ says Abbie.
‘I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a mechanic, and an apprenticeship offered me the best opportunity.
‘I contacted Pimlico Plumbers and did some work experience previously to get an idea of the workplace and really enjoyed it.
‘While I was there, they offered me the chance to return in future on an apprenticeship. I did my research and knew about Pimlico Plumbers and what they offer.’
Abbie, who is based in the company’s mechanics department, starts work at 7am each day. She says: ‘I get involved in everything in the garage, there’s never the same routine and always something new to learn.
‘We have an in-house garage working with company vans, so I could be doing anything from replacing defective parts, checking suspension and electrics to more obvious routine jobs such as oil change and brake pads.
‘These are only a few of the tasks that could be involved. I have a great mentor and I’m able to pick up new skills hands on while I’m working. It’s a male dominated job, but it doesn’t affect me in the slightest. I have a great team to work with. Some people are surprised, but I’m very proud of my career.’
Abbie would definitely recommend apprenticeships to other teenagers and says: ‘It’s the best route into a skilled career, that you can take anywhere and earn a lot of money. It’s hard work, but it’s a great opportunity and you get much more out of it. An apprenticeship gives me a chance to earn while I learn, as well as providing me with essential on-the-job experience.’
Colleague Chloe Sayer, 19, from Reading, is also breaking down prejudice barriers after joining the company as an apprentice plumber. She says: ‘I love being a plumber, and I’m proud I had the confidence to just go for it, as I knew it was what I wanted to do.’