Ahmed’s Journey: Building a Career at Jaguar Land Rover

At a glance

Name: Ahmed Mahamud
Qualified: Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance
College: New City College, Hackney
Academy Intern: 2023 – Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover, North West London
Now: Senior Technician / Workshop Controller – Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover, North West London

“My internship with Autotech Academy at JLR was honestly so helpful. It was like I had another leg to stand on, which made things easier and less stressful for me. Every day I came in and faced a problem, but I was learning, and that boosted my self-esteem. It kept pushing me forward.”

The starting point

From a childhood fascination to an automotive career

Ahmed had wanted to work with cars from an early age, but like many newly qualified technicians, securing that first opportunity wasn’t straightforward.

An Autotech Academy representative had visited his college before he qualified to talk about routes into the industry. When Ahmed later struggled to secure his first technician role, that connection provided a route into the workshop and the opportunity to put his qualification into practice.

Key challenge

“Walking into a workshop full of people who are much more experienced than you is hard. You have to prove yourself, but I’ve learned that when you struggle, it only makes you stronger.”

The opportunity

In June 2023, Ahmed began a paid Autotech Academy internship with Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover in North West London. Working alongside experienced technicians, he started with straightforward tasks before progressing to increasingly complex work as his skills and confidence developed.

Pathway to success

In just three years, Ahmed has progressed significantly:

• Career progression: Now a Senior Technician and Workshop Controller, with responsibility for 24 technicians and six Service Advisors.
• Technical development: Has achieved his JLR Level 2 qualification and Electric Vehicle Competent Persons (EVCP) training, alongside developing his diagnostic skills.
• Supporting others: Now uses his own experience to help mentor technicians and apprentices.
• Looking ahead: Plans to progress through JLR Levels 3 and 4, with the ultimate ambition of becoming a Master Technician.

In Ahmed’s words

“I learnt everything I know from the amazing technicians in my workshop. I wouldn’t have been able to understand and work my way up if they hadn’t invested their time and effort in me.”

“I never had anyone new to the industry come to my college or secondary school and show us that it was possible, even when you might not be able to see it yourself. I’d like to go back and give students some advice and show them that you can make yourself into the person you want to become. If you want to make a change, be the reason why.”

Advice to the next generation

“Stay persistent and don’t be afraid to start at the bottom, because it can take you to the top. Your first job is about gaining experience, learning from the people around you and proving what you can do.”

“Take every opportunity to learn, ask questions, work hard and show that you’re reliable. Your qualifications get you through the door, but your attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn are what will help you progress.”