Smiths Motor Group is Supporting National Apprenticeship Week

Get to know our Apprentice Technician Matt Smith. We had a chat with Matt to find out what it is really like to be an apprentice at Smiths.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship as I have always learnt better while being hands on and doing things. I am a very practical person and an apprenticeship is a great route for anyone who wants to gain experience whilst earning at the same time.

How did you find your apprenticeship, what was the process like?

I originally found the apprenticeship advertised on the gov.uk website, after completing an online forum there, my application was then sent off for consideration, this is where I was invited for an interview. Now, within my apprenticeship, I go to college in Doncaster for a week every month.

What is your apprenticeship like? A typical day in the life of an apprentice technician?

In the beginning of my apprenticeship I was watching a lot of what the other guys were doing. This was to gain an understanding of what I had to do and so I could learn. However, quickly I was busy straight away, it was very full on but I loved it. You are thrown in with this sort of job, I had no prior experience before starting here though. So, don’t think you need to have a lot and don’t be afraid to apply.

Do you enjoy being an apprentice?

Yes, a lot more than I thought I would. You are not treated any different here at Smiths, it’s like you’re a valued member of the team straight away.

What are your plans for when your apprenticeship is complete?

I would like to continue at Smiths and become a Master Technician eventually.

Why did you choose Smith’s compared to other apprenticeships available?

It is a local family run business with a great reputation around Peterborough.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

Prepare well for the interview, brush up on your knowledge about the business as this can be key. Dress smart, I wore a suit, and don’t worry about having prior experience just show your keen and interested. Oh, and my dad told me to sit properly in my chair.

Finally, tell us a little about you Matt?

Age – I am 18 years old.
Do you have any hobbies or sporting interest? – I play football, rugby, athletics, swimming and tennis. Also, played junior golf when I was 5.
What football team do you support? – Chelsea, obviously.
Do you have any pets? – I have a cat called Timmy, and a Hamster (but he’s unnamed).
What is your favourite car? – Ferrari 458, I love them.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIPS AND TO APPLY

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Company Info

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Reg Office: Sturrock Way, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8YL

Reg. Company Number: 359860

VAT Reg. No. 120617216

Financial Disclosure

F.P. Smith Holdings (Newark Avenue) Limited, F.P. Smith Holdings (Ilkeston) Ltd, and F.P. Smith Motors Ltd are Appointed Representatives of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows F.P. Smith Holdings (Newark Avenue) Limited, F.P. Smith Holdings (Ilkeston) Ltd, and F.P. Smith Motors Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach for a new car purchase is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow.

Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.

In the event of disputes we are unable to resolve the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) National Conciliation Service will offer free impartial advice and when appropriate an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service that we are fully committed to. For further information you can visit their website at www.nationalconciliationservice.co.uk or call 01788 538317.