Cameron’s Journey: Breaking into the Automotive Industry

At a glance

Name: Cameron Bell
Qualified: 2019 – Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
College: Durham College
Academy Intern: 2024 – Stoneacre Motor Group, Gateshead
Now: Service Technician, Stoneacre Motor Group, Gateshead – working towards Pro Technician (ProTec) qualification

“I kept hearing I needed experience, but no one was willing to give me a chance. The Autotech Academy internship was what finally got me into the workshop and doing the job I’d trained for.”

The starting point

Cameron’s route into automotive wasn’t straightforward. After initially studying Vehicle Accident Repair, he realised mechanics was where his real interest lay, completing Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair before achieving his Level 3 qualification in 2019.

But despite being qualified and ready to start his career, he repeatedly encountered the same barrier: employers wanted workshop experience, but without someone willing to give him an opportunity, he couldn’t gain it. He eventually spent three years working as a labourer while continuing to look for a route into automotive.

The opportunity

Cameron’s breakthrough came through the Toyota and Autotech Academy internship programme with Stoneacre Motor Group in Gateshead.

The internship gave him the practical dealership experience he had struggled to access since qualifying, alongside a toolkit to help overcome the cost of getting started. Most importantly, it gave Cameron the opportunity to turn his Level 3 qualification into a career.

Pathway to success

Cameron’s internship proved to be the starting point for significant career progression:

• Permanent employment: Secured a permanent Service Technician role with Stoneacre Motor Group, initially working within Toyota Express Maintenance.
• Advanced technical work: Now works largely independently on higher-level diagnostic and repair work and is working towards his Pro Technician (ProTec) qualification.
• Growing responsibility: Supports the Toyota Express Maintenance team when required and helps train new starters.
• New opportunities: Took part in a mobile workshop trial, carrying out diagnostic and repair work at customers’ homes across the North East.
• Continued development: Is also studying Mechanical Engineering at university alongside his career.

In Cameron’s words

“It’s not just spanners and engines anymore; it’s evolving tech, electric vehicles and smart systems. You’ve got to keep learning.”

Advice to the next generation

“Stick with it – even if the road looks rough at first. Use internships like the one I did, keep building your skills and look at the big picture. The car industry isn’t dying, it’s transforming. Be ready to move with it, and you’ll go far.”