Sophie’s Automotive Journey: From College to Vehicle Technician

At a glance

Name: Sophie Herbert
Qualified: 2023 – IMI Level 2 Diploma in Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
College: Wiltshire College and University Centre
Academy Intern: 2023 – Ford Authorised Repairer
Now: Vehicle Technician – Listers Lexus Bristol

“Autotech Academy made a huge difference because they took a lot of the hard work out of finding that first opportunity. They arranged an interview with a company they felt would suit my skills and experience, so all I had to do was turn up and impress them!”

The starting point

The journey into automotive

Sophie’s interest in automotive began with a love of Formula One. An enthusiasm for motorsport followed and ultimately inspired her to turn that interest into a career.

After qualifying with a Level 2, Sophie encountered a hurdle progressing to Level 3 at college, she began looking for another way to continue developing her skills and start her career.

It was at college that an Autotech Academy leaflet caught her eye. After researching the programme online, Sophie got in touch and was soon offered an interview with an established Ford Authorised Repairer.

The opportunity

How Autotech Academy helped

Autotech Academy helped Sophie make the transition from college into a professional workshop, matching her skills and experience with a suitable employer and arranging the interview for her internship.

The placement gave Sophie the opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians, develop the practical skills she had learned at college and, crucially, build her confidence in a real workshop environment.

Her internship proved to be the start of a permanent automotive career. At the end of the placement, Sophie was offered a full-time position by the company and remained there for just over two years.

From internship to career

Sophie’s Autotech Academy internship was the first step in a career that has continued to progress:

• Permanent employment: Progressed into a permanent technician role with her internship employer, spending more than two years building her workshop experience.
• Broader experience: Moved to an all-makes workshop closer to home, strengthening her technical knowledge and confidence in independent diagnosis and repair.
• Career progression: Joined Listers Lexus Bristol as a Vehicle Technician, with access to manufacturer-led training and further opportunities to develop her technical skills.

In Sophie’s words

“As a woman starting out in automotive, I was very aware that I was entering a predominantly male profession, and I did wonder whether I would have to prove myself. But my experience has taught me that your ability, attitude and willingness to learn speak much louder than your gender. Don’t let the fact that it’s male-dominated put you off. You don’t need to know everything from day one or change who you are to fit in. Work hard, keep learning and take every opportunity you can. If you genuinely enjoy working with cars, you absolutely belong in the workshop.”

“To other women thinking about a career in automotive – don’t let the fact that it’s male-dominated put you off. You don’t need to know everything from day one or change who you are to fit in. Work hard, keep learning and take every opportunity you can. If you genuinely enjoy working with cars, you absolutely belong in the workshop.”

Advice to the next generation

“Take every opportunity you can, even if it isn’t your perfect job straight away. Get your foot in the door, keep learning, ask questions and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward. The first opportunity can be the hardest to get, but it can open a lot of doors later down the line.”