Jade found her love for cars from her Dad, who has been an Automotive Technician for the past 25 years at an independent garage. From a young age she would help her dad fix up cars that had failed their MOT.

When Jade finished school she went onto study a Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. After achieving this at 19, she applied for an apprenticeship with Crown Garage Soham and was offered the role.

Initially Jade found it wasn’t easy coming into the motor industry because it is a male dominated industry and there is still a stigma around women in these roles. But she was able to get passed this. She said, “if you have broad shoulders you can take it as it comes and you will be fine”. Jade has no regrets about her career choices.

Jade said, “I know that I will never be as physically strong as some of the male technicians which means I do need help sometimes but I have a really great team that are always happy to help”. Jade feels that she offers the team other attributes such as being approachable for all of her colleagues and especially female customers.

Jade was a fabulous apprentice while on the programme and the first apprentice to achieve an overall distinction on her End-point Assessment. She went on to achieve the Automotive Light Vehicle Apprentice of the Year and also achieved the Overall Apprentice of the Year. Well Done Jade!

Jade is still keen to grow her skills and knowledge and will soon be completing the latest hybrid training with the Honda Institute. Next she wants to get her MOT license and possibly in the future go into training to help others achieve their dreams of becoming an Automotive Technician.