My Apprenticeship Experience – Jude, Level 3 Motor Vehicle

Working on Ferraris isn’t something most 17-year-olds can say they do, but for Jude, it’s all part of the job.

As an apprentice at Simon Furlonger in Ashford, he spends his days surrounded by specialist and high-performance cars that many people only ever see online.

What began as a work experience placement has now accelerated into a Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, where he studies one day per week at our College.

We spoke to him in our automotive garage about his experience and why he would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering their next steps.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

“I didn’t really know what I was going to do when I was at school, so I took part in a work experience week at a garage.

“I impressed them so much that I was offered a job and I carried on working after that on Saturdays. Then I got offered an apprenticeship. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and now I’m partway through my first year of it.”

What do you like about your apprenticeship?

“I feel like I learn a lot of different things all of the time.

“At the moment I’m learning about electrics and mechanics. There are so many different components that go into making a car, and it’s been great to feel that I’m now understanding lots of them.”

What would you say is the biggest benefit of doing the apprenticeship?

“For me it’s the fact that I’m definitely learning something valuable that everyone wants. I always feel like it’s important to have a skill. I started when I was 16 and I’m only 17 now, but I can always be a mechanic because I’ve got the skillset that’s needed.”

What are you hoping to do once you’ve kind of completed your apprenticeship?

“One option is that I can carry on my work at Simon Furlonger that I do at the moment.

“I mean, I’m living the dream of most kids. I work on Ferraris and I’m in the perfect place. I’m obviously really grateful for that.

What advice would give someone starting an apprenticeship?

“If you’re unsure of what you want to do, it’s best to give it a try beforehand. Having my previous work experience that I can draw from is helping me learn all the things I need to know in my apprenticeship.”

What is it like to study in College alongside your apprenticeship work?

“I think it’s a perfect balance. I’m only in College one day a week but I learn quite a bit. I see my mates when I come here and it’s chill but focused.

“After that I then have the rest of my week to carry on working.”

Thank you to Jude for sharing his story.  

If you’re unsure about your next step, an apprenticeship could be the opportunity that changes everything. It allows you to discover what you enjoy while building skills that employers genuinely value.  

Like Jude, sometimes all it takes is giving it a try. You never know where it might lead. 

Explore our wide range of apprenticeships across East Kent.