Young Apprentice Helps Keep Heavy Vehicles on the Move

The next time you see a heavy vehicle on the road, think about the experts – and those in the making – that keep them moving, including apprentices from @S_ERC.

JP Macauley (20) from Crumlin, is a second year Level 2 Heavy Vehicle Apprentice based in Brian Grant Commercials in Belfast said, “When the country went into lock down, we were all sent home. I had course work to finish off, so I was kept busy enough but am glad to be back at my work now. We have all had to adapt to changes in the workplace. Some of the team are in different days but since we work in different sheds, maintaining social distance is not such a big problem.

He added, “We have been flat out with work which is great. Brian Grant Commercials supply and maintain commercial vehicles and I specialise in the trucks and trailers. The best thing about the Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship is that you could turn your hand to any vehicle, but a general mechanic would not usually be interested in working on a heavy vehicle.

When asked about choosing the Apprenticeship at SERC he said, “I have always had an interest in vehicles and their mechanics since I was a child so this is the perfect career route for me. I am earning and learning on the job and this is supported by everything we do at College. My tutor at SERC, Ian McClure, is very knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive. He has patience and time for every student. Everything we learn in College we take back to the workplace – you soon see your skills and experience growing every day. My plan is to continue to Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship.

Finally, we asked JP about his dream truck, there was no hesitation, “Scania of course. They’re hard to beat!”