Daniel’s drive leads to dream job

Daniel Betham HHC apprentice at Stephen Heywood Auto Engineers

Daniel Betham knew from a young age that he wanted to work with cars; his fascination with vehicles was inspired through watching films about fast cars when he was a youngster. So, when Daniel left Falinge Park High School, he started at full time course at Hopwood Hall College doing Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

He loved the course and passed his qualifications, but in order to complete his Apprenticeship programme, Daniel also needed to secure employment in a garage. He was so keen that he contacted a staggering 60 local garages asking for Apprenticeship opportunities; sadly, and perhaps a sign of these difficult financial times, he received only one reply; this was from Stephen Heywood Auto Engineers Ltd.

Stephen Heywood, the MD will celebrate 40 years in business next year. Established in 1972, Stephen has employed many apprentices over the years; some of his past apprentices have gone on to have their own businesses, which he feels is greatly rewarding. In addition, all the staff presently employed at the garage started as apprentices and stayed on after qualifying.

Stephen explains that he feels it is important to keep the cycle of young employees going, they bring fresh ideas to a fast moving industry; the college course helps to keep abreast with these changes.

When Stephen received Daniel’s application letter, he wasn’t actually looking to recruit an apprentice, however, luckily for Daniel, he decided to offer him an interview. When he found out that Daniel had shown determination and initiative in contacting so many garages, he was very impressed and so offered him the job. Daniel then demonstrated the right attitude and commitment he was looking for.

“It is not always smooth sailing,” Stephen explained, “some young people are not ‘work ready’, but this does not mean you cannot stop trying to find the right calibre of staff and give up on recruiting a young work force.”

Daniel has recently enrolled on the advanced award in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair and is proving to be a real asset to the company.

He is really grateful for the break he was given by Mr. Heywood; part of his work involves him working on vintage Jaguar cars that are worth around £200,000, which of course, is a dream come true for the young man!