Tanks, refuse trucks and automobiles
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2022 we asked our newest apprentice recruit Rob Wiltshire, 20, to give other budding apprentices an insight into what it's like to train as an HGV mechanic.
Rob Wiltshire, 20, started his apprenticeship at the CTS Hire Brackley depot in July 2021, under the guidance of Depot Manager Allan Robinson and the team. Rob is learning how to maintain and service the company’s fleet including refuse trucks ranging in size from 7.5t to 26t, specialist recycling vehicles and caged tippers.
Alongside his practical training, Rob attends City of Bristol College where he is studying Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Level 3. The course is awarded and accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Meet Rob...
How are you enjoying your apprenticeship? I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning a lot and the people at CTS Hire are very encouraging and nice to work with. Kevin Franklin and Allan Robinson are great mentors.
I feel I’ve got the best of both worlds, a nice balance between college and work. I learn things at CTS that I can take back into the classroom and my learning at college supports what I’m doing in the workshop. I don’t feel rushed and can learn at my own pace.
Why did you want to work with HGV’s? My interest started when I did some work experience at a company that offers tank driving experiences and corporate events. I got the opportunity to drive them now and again, which was great fun!
My dad was a mechanic in the army and he’s now a fleet manager for the NHS so I guess you could say it runs in the family. I think if you can work on HGV’s, you can pretty much work on anything. It’s my dream job; I honestly wouldn’t choose to do anything else.
What do you like most about the work/job? I like working with my hands. Whenever I’ve done something to a vehicle, even if it’s just rewiring a side light, I get a sense of achievement. I feel proud of myself.
Who is your inspiration? My dad. I like his approach to life, and we share an interest in vehicles.
What do you do outside of work? I do plastic model making, mainly tanks as I have an interest in WW2. I also have 3 dogs – a yorkie terrier, border terrier and border collie - so they keep me busy.
Any ambitions or plans for the future? My girlfriend and I would like to travel and perhaps live oversees at some point. I can work pretty much anywhere as a vehicle technician, which is an added bonus.