Meet: Natasha

Name: Natasha

Course Studied: Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Meet Natasha, a Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair student studying at Oaklands College.

Natasha, who completed her Level 2 Diploma before progressing onto Level 3 at Oaklands, sat down to chat with Oaklands College, whilst on a work experience programme at Glyn Hopkin Nissan in St. Albans.

Tell us about your time at Oaklands. What led you to study here and what did you enjoy about your time at the college? 

“I chose Oaklands College because of the links to industry it had, I knew that I would be able to benefit from the structure and knowledge of industry experienced teachers and also from the facilities at the college.

In addition to this, I also have to mention the pastoral care, studying with a child of my own has its challenges but the help I received from Oaklands College has allowed me to fully focus on my studies.”

How are you finding the work experience opportunities? 

“I have really enjoyed the work experience opportunities that come with the course, I’ve spent a week on a placement with Glyn Hopkins in St. Albans, working at the Nissan dealership in the vehicle workshop, I’ve been able to get hands-on with the vehicles as well as customer care.

The most useful aspect of my work experience has been shadowing the technicians as well as also being given the freedom and trust to work independently when needed.”

What would you say has been the major highlight of your course so far? 

“I’ve really enjoyed the work experience, the technicians at Oaklands College have transferred their knowledge, skills and experience onto me.”

What advice would you give to today’s Oaklands students? 

“I would tell today’s Oaklands students to take initiative and shadow as many experts within your field of study as you can, always ask questions and you will get more out of your learning experience.”

As a female student in a stereotypical “male dominated” field of work, how would you describe your experience as a whole? 

“Not only have I felt as part of the team and included within the working and learning environment, I have also felt as though there has been no discrimination towards my age, ethnicity or background – I’ve felt at home at both Oaklands College and on my work experience placement and I’m proud to be a female within the industry.”

Natasha has impressed her peers at Nissan and left a lasting impression on staff members, who offered her a full-time job for when she finishes her studies.

Her manager said: “We’ve never had any student like Natasha, she is focused and driven and always gets stuck-in with the work that she is given, she’s a mature student and makes the most of every opportunity that we give her and we’d love to have her back here.”

Inspired by Natasha’s journey? Look into our Motor Vehicle courses here.