Case Studies

Career Change for Mature Student

Lucinda Ayles is 31 and had been working as a supervisor of an after-school club, looking after children after school and in the holidays. She really wanted a career change and a challenge.

"I didn't have any work experience within a mechanics setting apart from the basics on my own vehicle, using a friend's garage facilities. I have now completed Motor Vehicle & Motorcycle Level 2 and have nearly finished Level 3. I've enjoyed all of my study units and have found a preference of cars, although through the course I have found bikes can be just as challenging.

"I have been lucky that I have only had to attend college for three days each week. Our timetable is Wednesday 9 - 3, Thursday 9 - 1 and Friday 9 - 2:45. As a mature student, my home life has had to fit in with my college work and revision. I have used Mondays and Tuesdays have just for this purpose.

• The Motor Vehicle Cup in 2007
• The Motor Vehicle and Manufacturing Award
• The Vocational Student of the Year for Outstanding Performance in 2008.
• The Motor Vehicle/Motor Cycle Level 2 Award in 2011.

"Changing from Childcare to Mechanics has been a big challenge for me. The last four years have made me realise that you can still learn new subjects regardless of age. Hopefully, after completing Level 3, I will secure a job working in mechanics or in some aspect of the motor industry.

My time at college was amazing, there is so much help and students get such great opportunities to progress in life.

I am a mature student and enjoyed my course so much that I cannot wait to return to the college for my next year. I am really looking forward to it!

I thoroughly enjoyed my course and couldn’t have asked for better tutors. They taught me so much - I have such great respect for them.