Transitioning from education to employment can be daunting for newly qualified vehicle technicians. At Autotech Academy, our unique internship initiative offers Level 3 automotive college students a route into the automotive industry once they have qualified, while supporting a college’s automotive course offering.
The transition from education to employment can be challenging, but having a structured support system can make a significant difference. Paid internships provide college graduates with the opportunity to build practical experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. Over six to twelve months, interns gain essential workplace skills, additional training, and hands-on experience that prepare them for permanent employment.
Central to this journey is the mentor, whose role is essential in guiding and supporting interns during this critical phase. Mentors help interns navigate the workplace, build confidence, and develop skills that will shape their future careers.
However, misconceptions about the time and effort involved in effective mentorship often deter potential mentors. Addressing these misconceptions and offering a strong support framework ensures that both mentors and interns can succeed, fostering a more collaborative and productive transition into the workforce.
Roles of a mentor: What can they do for students?
Mentors play an important, transformative role for students and their career development. They show guidance for students, offering insights, providing opportunities for skill development, and overall increasing their confidence to prepare themselves in the workplace. An especially useful strategy in the automotive industry and its roles, where it can be challenging (but rewarding at the same time!).
Guidance, support and supervision
A common misconception is that mentoring an intern requires a lot of time, which busy vehicle technicians don’t have. In reality, mentoring can be efficient and structured. With a clear plan and the right support, it can easily fit into a technician’s daily routine.
Another myth is that interns lack the skills to work independently and need constant supervision. However, Autotech Academy interns come with a solid theoretical foundation from their Level 3 qualifications. While their practical experience may be limited, they are eager to apply their knowledge and can quickly become a valuable resource in any garage or workshop.
Supporting the mentorship journey at Autotech Academy
Autotech Academy is committed to making the mentorship process as smooth and rewarding as possible. We provide a comprehensive toolkit and step-by-step approaches to help mentors maximise their time with interns. Here’s how we support the process:
Allocating and preparing a mentor:
Choosing the right mentor is crucial. We guide employers in selecting mentors who are not only experienced but also patient and willing to share their knowledge. We also ensure mentors are well-prepared to welcome interns, with clear instructions on health and safety procedures, system access, and the intern’s daily routine.
Structured first-day prep:
We provide detailed checklists to help mentors and employers prepare for the intern’s first day. This includes everything from scheduling an induction to assigning a locker, ensuring the intern feels welcomed and prepared to start their journey.
The intern toolkit:
Each intern receives a toolkit, delivered in time for their first day. This toolkit remains on-site and is essential for their hands-on training. By having access to the right tools, interns can immediately start practicing their skills under the supervision of their mentors.
Clear expectations and progress reviews:
We outline clear expectations for interns, differentiating them from apprentices and emphasising the practical experience they will gain. Regular reviews during the first three months help track progress and provide constructive feedback, ensuring interns develop confidence and competence in their roles.
Comprehensive support system:
Our support doesn’t stop at providing toolkits and guidelines. We offer continuous assistance through regular check-ins and are always available to address any concerns from both interns and mentors. This ensures a smooth and successful internship experience.
End-of-Placement Transition:
As the internship progresses, we regularly check in to gather feedback and ensure everything is on track. Upon completion, we facilitate the transition from intern to permanent employee, hoping that the intern becomes a valuable asset to the business.
Mentoring an intern is a rewarding experience that benefits both the mentor and the intern. With the right approach and support from Autotech Academy, mentoring can be a seamless process that does not significantly disrupt the mentor’s daily responsibilities. By investing a little time and effort, mentors can make a substantial impact on the careers of new vehicle technicians, helping them to bridge the gap between education and employment.
