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Gregg Little Testing Centre’s workshop manager Norman Travis with young recruits Ben Clemmett and Paul Bradshaw.
THE LITTLE TEAM
WITH A BIG HEART
Two aspiring car mechanics are
getting an early foot on the career
ladder thanks to Newton Aycliffe
car specialists Gregg Little Testing
Centre.
Woodham Academy student Paul
Bradshaw, 15, is learning the ropes at
Gregg Little one day a week as part of
his school’s Work Skills Programme.
The family-run firm has also enlisted
local 17-year-old Ben Clemmett on a
diploma course through Darlington
College, and are now looking to put
him through an Apprenticeship.
Far from just ticking an education
box for Gregg Little, it’s a commitment
which shows a real desire to engage
with education and encourage local
young people into the world of work.
Business development manager
Emma Little said: “Ben came to us
from DISC, a local charity, looking for
work experience and initially he came
one day a week.
“He was quite shy and just needed a
bit of confidence, and it’s been lovely
to see him blossom in a working
environment.
“He’s gone from work experience
and a huge success with DISC to doing
a diploma through Darlington Borough
Council, and now we’re looking to take
him on as an Apprentice, so it’s a really
positive success story.
“Now Ben is much more confident.
He loves working with cars and bikes
and really gets stuck in.”
Gregg Little has proved the firm can
provide a genuine opportunity for local
people who have the right attitude to
enjoy a job for life.
Brothers Norman Travis and Les
Douthwaite, who both started at 16,
now manage the garage and are
encouraging their young recruits to
learn.
Woodham Academy student Paul
is now reaping the rewards of their
experience by getting real-life work
experience.
The Work Skills Programme, piloted
this year, was set up to support
Woodham’s young people in moving
successfully
into
post-16
into
Education, Employment or Training,
and is funded by the Improving
Progression of Young People team.
Woodham’s
Ms
McGinnety
added: “The programme has had a
significant impact on Paul’s academic
attainment, enabling him to see how
the core subjects are used in the
work place and make links between
employer expectations and those of
the school.
“Paul clearly enjoys his placement
and regularly brings back positive
reports. His self-confidence has gone
through the roof as his mentor has
allows him to take responsibility for
aspects of his training.
“I am thrilled that the project is
having such a positive influence on
those students participating this year.”
Paul is clearly enjoying his weekly
placement. He said: “I picked working
in a garage because I like working with
cars, and I’m really enjoying it. They’re
all nice people and make me feel part
of the team.”
Ben, meanwhile, has already planned
his future career. “I want to become an
MOT tester eventually,” he grinned.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning to
much at college and then bringing it
into work, and it’s great.
“I get on really well with everyone,
they help me loads. This is what I want
to do, to become a mechanic, and it
just feels right.”