Melissa gets mechanical at Stafford Land Rover

Melissa Jones, aged 25 and from Hednesford, has always loved cars; even as a youngster she loved helping her Dad work on his motor, so when she was considering which career was for right for her, the choice was simple – a car mechanic, a role, which with the complexities of today’s cars, is now known as a vehicle technician.

Melissa explained: “I knew I wanted to work with cars and I wanted a job where I was always learning something new. JLR is a fantastic brand with really iconic cars and Swansway Motor Group, which owns Stafford Land Rover, is a family owned business, so I knew that apprenticeship there would give me the best of both worlds”.

The team at Stafford Land Rover have won Land Rover’s Dealership of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017 and Land Rover Aftersales Dealership of the Year in 2016, and runners-up in 2017, so Melissa knew she was joining an award winning team.

“I’m keen to learn from the best and the thought of joining an award-winning team was really exciting. My goal is to become a master technician and then who knows what; I know I’ll have the chance to learn and grow. Technicians at Swansway have gone on to become aftersales managers and heads of business, so I feel like the sky’s the limit for me”, added Melissa.

In her spare time Melissa is a force to be reckoned with practising boxing, Thai boxing and Jujitsu; “I love the outdoors and love camping and climbing, but I have to confess that I love working on cars in my spare time too."

She added: “I’m conscious that there aren’t many female technicians, but I love it and I’d recommend an apprenticeship as a brilliant way to learn a trade and immerse yourself in the motor industry”.

Swansway Motor Group offers apprenticeships across several areas, not just technicians, with 55 apprentices in parts, sales, HR, accounts and customer service. Swansway is currently recruiting for apprentices. For more information email b.gough@swanswaygarages.com