You’re only here once, so do something you love.
Matt has always been interested in cars, bikes and loves to tinker and repair them. Because he’s not having to pay someone else to do it, it also helps to save money.
Initially working as a lifeguard, swimming teacher and fitness instructor, Matt became a manager. And in his last role, he was lucky enough to be responsible for opening a multi-million-pound leisure facility in Horwich, Greater Manchester.
After spending 12 years in the leisure sector, Matt reached a point where he didn’t want to go any further. So, he reflected on what he enjoyed and wanted to do in the future. After researching the options for someone in their late 20s, he found the apprenticeship programme offered by the AA.
Looking to the automotive sector, Matt realised he had a lot of transferrable skills when it came to dealing with the public and handling unexpected situations. Within a single shift, he often wore many hats: a manager, a confidant for employees, an emergency responder… There was also an engineering aspect to his job, as he was responsible for operating and maintaining the pool pumps.
Due to going on placement as part of his apprenticeship programme, Matt’s manager arranged an interview at the garage he would be working at. Getting a feel for one another and the environment, Matt felt right at home and has not looked back since.
To help ensure candidates on placement are suitable for the job, there is a stringent onboarding process. Providing in-house training in health and safety and compliance areas, Matt felt confidently prepared for what he might experience in the garage environment.
And now? Matt’s ability and confidence in the automotive sector have skyrocketed. Previously he would have shied away from some jobs, but now he can apply himself to more complex tasks and diagnose faults.
With a year left at Every Auto, Matt will soon be out on AA roadside patrols. Hoping his time and effort will be noticed, he aims to climb the career ladder within the AA. With options to become a team leader or specialist in a type of vehicle or brand, Matt dreams of working with exotic cars.
