Now I’ve really got into cars..
Irahim explains how programme helped him to land a Modern Apprenticeship with Arnold Clark
A MODERN Apprenticeship is a way for young people to earn a wage, gain experience in the workplace and secure an industry-recognised qualification.
And it was this hands-on approach to learning that appealed to Irahim Nselenya, a first-year mechanical apprentice with Arnold Clark.
Irahim landed an apprenticeship with the motoring giants after completing the Princes Trust’s Get Into Cars programme in 2016.
Having struggled with classroombased learning at school because of dyslexia, the 20-year-old, from Maryhill, Glasgow, is now relishing the opportunity to learn new skills through a more practical approach.
He said: “I’m dyslexic so spelling and reading is where I struggle a little bit. Hands-on work is how I learn best. For me, an apprenticeship was the best route.
“It opens doors for you. You get opportunities. I have a mentor that I work with and that’s really important.
“If there’s anything you aren’t sure about, you can just ask for advice. What’s so good about the branch where I work, at Hillington Renault, is that everyone is happy to help you out. If you just ask someone for help, they’re there to help you.”
The Get Into Cars sixweek programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry – including tyre fitting, basic car maintenance and valeting – and the chance to work in local Arnold Clark garages.
Students who impress during the placement could be offered full-time employment and an apprenticeship with the company.
Irahim said: “I found out about the Get Into Cars programme when I looked into apprenticeships with Arnold Clark.
“I had never worked on a car before, it was all pretty new to me. The programme allowed me to do stuff from scratch and the things I learned included how to jack up a car, where to look for parts you need, and how tyres work.
“I was interested in cars when I was younger, although all I was really thinking about was that I wanted to have my own car one day.
“Now, I think about all the details that you usually don’t think about when you jump into a car. I’ve got an opportunity to learn how cars work and I’m loving it.”
Irahim is now looking forward to carving out what will hopefully be a long and successful career with Arnold Clark.
He added: “I was excited to be selected for the Arnold Clark apprenticeship. I’m happy knowing that I can help out my family as best I can.
“They were really pleased for me and came along to my graduation when I got the job. With my first wages, I took my family out!
“My best advice to other people thinking about an apprenticeship or applying for the Get Into Cars programme is to just do it. You learn so much and it will open doors for you. I just feel very grateful for having this opportunity.”