Hear from our adult Automotive learners

Changing careers or learning something new as an adult can feel like a big step, but it can also be exciting. Our part-time Automotive courses are designed for adults who want to follow their passion, gain practical skills, and fit learning around work and life. 

Whether it’s for a new career path, to save money on car repairs, or simply for the love of engines, our adult learners all have their own reasons for joining. Here, they share what motivated them to get started, how they’re finding the course, and what they hope to achieve next. 

JOHN From kitchens to cars 

I grew up around cars – my dad had his own garage, and as a kid I was amazed by it all. It was big, loud, and exciting, and I always loved being in that kind of environment. 

Even though I trained in catering and worked as a chef, I realised it wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something different, something I was passionate about. That’s when I found the Automotive course. 

I’m really enjoying it. The staff are so helpful and supportive, and I love getting hands-on with the cars. My next goal is to get more work experience and find an Apprenticeship so I can build a new career doing something I love. 

JAMES Swapping the office work for the Garage 

I used to work as a Graphic Designer, but honestly, I got bored of sitting at a computer all day. At the time, I was looking into fixing my own car to save money, and that’s where it all started. I was really interested in how things worked and so decided to make the jump and consider a new career. 

I soon learnt that I’d need a Level 3 qualification to get the kind of jobs I wanted, so I’ve started on the Level 2 with the hope of progressing to achieve the Level 3 in the future.  

I love it here, I’ll actually be disappointed to leave. You learn so many skills, not just mechanics. What’s great is that you get to work on real cars safely and with professional supervision. That’s something you just can’t get if you’re learning on your own.  

In the future, I’d love to have my own Garage, get into detailing, and maybe even look into Motorsport. 

ELOUISE Driven by passion 

I currently work in retail, but my interest in cars grew when I bought my first car and started driving lessons. I’ve always enjoyed driving and being around cars so my cousin told me about this course, and I thought – why not? 

I’ve always liked the way cars look and feel. Plus, it’s so much cheaper to fix your own car than to keep paying Garages. Once I’ve completed this course I want to get an Apprenticeship. I’d love to work track side eventually – that’s the ultimate goal. 

The course has been everything I expected and more, if anything, I wish I could come in to College more days a week. I appreciate my time at College, and being with other adult learner. I great being with mature people who are so much more passionate. We know what we want, and we take it all in more. 

OLLIE Building my future in the Automotive industry 

I’ve loved cars for as long as I can remember – working on them, being around them, driving them… everything about them. That’s what made me want to study Automotive. 

Right now, I work as a Valeter. I just love being in the industry, but I’m not fixing cars, which is why I joined the course. Studying at night means I can carry on working during the day and continue learning the skills I need for the career I want. 

Long term, I’d love to have my own Garage. For now, I just want to work on cars, fix as many as possible, and drive as many as I can! 

Coming back to College was a bit tough at first – it’s been a while since I was in education. But everyone here is really nice, and it didn’t take long to get back into the swing of things. I didn’t overthink it to be honest, I just knew what I wanted, and this is how I’m going to get there. 

Studying one day a week can be challenging as an adult. It probably would have been easier at 16 as you get so much longer in the Garage and with the lecturers, but that wasn’t meant to be. Completing this course will definitely be worth it in the long run. 

NEIL A lifelong love of cars 

I’ve loved cars since I was 15, but I ended up working in IT. When I saw the course, I thought why not finally learn properly? Even if I don’t turn it into a full-time career, I love the idea of building that knowledge regardless. 

At first, it felt a bit daunting because I didn’t know what to expect, but the lecturers have been were great and made us feel at ease straight away. The course timetable also fits really well around my job, which is great.  

Down the line, I’d like to have my own business. 

If you’re ready to follow your passion and gain real, practical skills, check out our Automotive courses to find out more.