Jon Hutchinson Automotive Apprentice

Jon has been training as an automotive paint and bodywork apprentice since April. After leaving school the 18-year-old spent seven months in the Army, but finding it wasn't for him he decided to look for a job. He said: "I was out of work and looking for something to do, but jobs are hard to come by at the moment. I didn't fancy going to college, because there's no guarantee that there'd be a job at the end of it. "So when I saw the advert for an apprenticeship, I jumped at the chance as it gave me training and a wage." Jon usually spends one day a week training at the new SkillCentre in Trafford Park. The rest of the week he works for a bodywork company in Oldham. Jon, who lives in Prestwich, said: "I'm really enjoying my apprenticeship and am hoping it will lead to a good career. I'd recommend an apprenticeship for people who want to get some practical experience rather than sitting in a classroom all day." Jon is doing his apprenticeship through Automotive Solutions, which is a service delivery arm of Greater Manchester Chamber. Automotive Solutions specialises in assisting young people with training programmes and career development opportunities in all areas of the motor vehicle industry and associated trades. It provides Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships including NVQ 2 and 3. Apprenticeships are available in a range of other industries including construction, engineering, hairdressing and IT. For more information call 0161 233 2656 or email recruitment@skills-solutions.org.uk