Entering the world of work has always been a challenge, and today it’s arguably more difficult than ever. For many looking to take their first step into employment, an apprenticeship can provide the answer. One such person is Keira Walden-Horspool, who has recently completed the first year of her four year Heavy Truck Apprenticeship with Scania and her employing dealer, Keltruck.
Keira is based at Keltruck’s Burton-on-Trent depot and has worked there since leaving school. “Originally, I was hoping to go into the car design industry, but my dad has a friend who works for Keltruck Burton and he heard there was an apprenticeship going. My dad said, ‘go for it’, so I did – and I got the job!”
So what was it like for a female school leaver to walk through the doors of a truck dealership in the industrial heart of England? “It wasn’t a problem,” says Keira. “Yeah, there was a bit of banter at first, but it didn’t take long for me to become accepted – it’s all about proving that you’re up for the job, and in that respect it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, it’s your ability and attitude that count.
“To anyone considering an apprenticeship with Scania, I’d say have a go and give it your best shot. See it as an opportunity which will open doors for you. After training, I certainly want to progress; I’d like to be designing trucks ultimately. There’s always somewhere higher up to aim at, and I like to think there’s a good future ahead of me. But you have to work your way up, and I think this apprenticeship is a great way to start.”
Article source: scaniablog.co.uk
