This is the first in a series of features focusing on Exeter College Alumni. Our aim is to showcase how our students go on to fulfil their ambitions in a wide range of sectors and to encourage past students to get in touch and tell us their story.

This spring we launched our first ever alumni magazine, EXE. We are excited to build on this and to share more amazing stories with you. You can read this magazine online or request a copy here.

This month we are talking to Kim. She first came to Exeter College in 2010 to complete an Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. After college she continued to work at the garage where she completed her apprenticeship for a further 6 years. Kim described winning ‘Apprentice of the Year 2010’ as a defining moment for her.

Winning 'Apprentice of the Year 2010' was a definite high point for me, this gave me a lot of confidence when moving from the apprenticeship stage and into the full time employment stage of my career.”

Kim recently moved jobs to a national garage and has since returned to Exeter College to gain an MOT testing qualification to continue her professional development as a skilled technician.

Talking about her time at college, Kim said:

I think my favourite part of being at Exeter College was working with the tutors, who were an excellent help in all aspects of the course. I was very keen to learn everything to the fullest of my abilities, and in return they were able to teach me everything I needed to know in order to become a highly skilled technician. This is also true of my recent time at the college completing my MOT testing course, the support given definitely helped me to pass with a very high percentage in both the practical and theory aspects of the course.”

Programme Lead for MOT Training, Darren Smyth said:

Kim completed her college automotive apprentice qualification with us here in 2010. She originally worked alongside her father who owns a local family run garage, since then she has decided to spread her wings and move to a bigger garage to gain more experience, part of this move was to also become an MOT tester to increase her qualification portfolio. As the Programme Lead it was lovely for me to see her choose to return to Exeter College to take her MOT qualification, I was proud to see her back to do this. She is now a fully qualified Class 4 tester and the first female MOT tester that we have had on the course. She was also the 100th candidate to come through the door, I would personally like to wish Kim all the best with her Automotive career.”

Kim says that the MOT course helped her become a more competent technician in all aspects of the motor trade.

I can now carry out a full vehicle turn around – from an incoming second hand/ trade-in car needing repairs, to putting it back on the forecourt, repaired, serviced and with a full new MOT, completely by myself, making me an invaluable asset to my employer.”

You can find out more about our Automotive courses here, or you can call us on 01392 400500 for more information.