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What is your job role?
Hi I’m Ruth Porteous and I’m a 2nd year Apprentice HGV Technician
Why did you choose an HGV Apprenticeship with Motus?
When I left college, I went to university to study but I wanted something hands-on, without the expense and I wanted to start earning. My family have owned a haulage business for the last 62 years, so I guess I have always had an interest in the industry and a passion for trucks.
Once I realised that university wasn’t for me, I started looking into truck technician apprenticeships, I wanted to join the DAF apprenticeship scheme as it’s known in the industry and its award-winning. It seemed like a great opportunity to gain some experience and earn at the same time, so then I started to search for local dealerships within my area, which lead me to apply for Motus Commercials.
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What are your main duties?
My main duties are ensuring the workshop is kept neat and tidy to ensure it is a safe space for all technicians to work in, and maintain repair and service records on the computer system and for our customers. When in the workshop I often shadow or help different members of the team, it’s great as it means I can learn from everyone’s strengths but also their different methods and ways of doing things so I can pick what works best for me.
As my family work in the haulage industry, I have my class 1 HGV licence, I’m often tasked with picking up and delivering trucks to and from customer depots. I I started to work at Motus Commercials at the beginning of June 2019, by mid-June I’d gained my class 2, then I completed my theory and training for my class 1 alongside my work and study, I passed two months later in August.
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How do you manage balancing the learning and working aspects of the apprenticeship?
In January 2020 I gave birth to my son George. So my life is certainly busier now than it used to be! I took a month of maternity leave and went back to the college and continued working. I didn’t miss any college or fall behind on any missed modules. At the start of the pandemic, I was placed on furlough which gave me a great opportunity to spend some quality time with my son.
Juggling everything can be pretty hectic, but I’m fortunate that whilst I’m at work or college my mum helps me out with childcare and I often do some overtime at the weekend too.
What’s your favourite part of being an apprentice?
My favourite part of being an apprentice is being in the environment - every day is different in terms of the types of jobs I complete and vehicles that I work on. It also gives me the opportunity to meet lots of new people every day, and at the same time, I’m able to learn on the job and get my hands dirty!
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What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt?
The most important thing is that it’s okay to ask for help. You’re still learning and it’s better to ask than not understand something. Everyone is willing to help you because they’ve been in your shoes before.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship with Motus?
If you fancy a challenge then go for it! It’s a great opportunity, you’re learning and earning whilst on the job. It doesn’t matter if you get things wrong or you’re unsure as someone is always there to help you and ultimately you’re there to learn.
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