Apprentice Tom Completes Three-year Course in Two

“THE best thing I’ve ever done,” is the way Tameside Council apprentice Tom Campbell describes his newly-achieved status as a heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3).

Tom, 22, a former St Damian’s RC Science and Ashton Sixth Form college student, is now qualified to work on all vehicles coming through the Tame Street depot in Stalybridge, from big wagons to 4x4s and cars.

He said: “I love it. I wish I’d made the career choice earlier. But when I left school I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I spent some time in refuse collection before making the switch.

“Everyone at the council has been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough. There have been lots of courses and everyone has been more than willing to help. The other mechanics have always been happy to share their expertise.”

Tom’s enthusiasm for his job is evident by the way he knuckled down to complete the three-year course led by the Growth Company, Trafford, in only two. “I was determined to get it out of the way so I made sure I got stuck in,” he explained.

“It was definitely worth it because it’s given me so much hands-on experience. I was focused on that 100 per cent of the time.

“My plan now is to continue working hard and make my way up to a supervisor’s role and then into management. As well as servicing council vehicles here at Tame Street, I’ll keep my hand in by working on my own car and helping friends and family.”

Cllr Denise Ward, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and the climate emergency, said: “We are very proud of what Tom has achieved and the great amount of effort he put in to getting his qualification – not only during working hours, but in his own time during the evenings and at weekends.

“As an authority we are committed to providing all employees with the opportunity to advance as far as they can. Tom has shown what can be achieved and we are certain he has a successful future ahead of him.”