Mark Jefferson
Name: Mark Jefferson
Age: 16
Town of Residence: Cottingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Apprenticeship: Young Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Apprenticeship Award: Young Apprentice
Sector: Automotive
For Mark Jefferson, 16, the opportunity to work at motor dealer and servicing business Rockingham Cars came at the right time. And for Harry Pope, Service Manager at Rockingham Cars, seeing Mark thrive as a young apprentice is good news for the trade.
Harry said: “Mark is a very likeable young man who is passionate about working with cars. He willingly does any task that is set for him and gets on well with everyone here. His commitment and enthusiasm have never wavered throughout the course. I am sure he will succeed in his chosen career.”
Mark was in danger of drifting at his school, Uppingham Community College, but, said Lynne Wells, Deputy Principal, the Young Apprenticeship has brought about a “miraculous transformation”. She said: “Mark is totally committed to the course. He has matured into a personable young man who we are delighted to have supported.”
And Helen Walton, 14-19 Officer at Mark’s training provider Rutland County Council, simply says: “Mark is an absolute star.”
For Mark, the Young Apprenticeship has made him realise he wants to be a mechanic: “It has shown me what working life is all about. It was pretty daunting at first but I have grown as a result. When I am at work I am treated like an adult, and that sense of responsibility has greatly increased my confidence in myself.
“The biggest lesson is that I am capable of achieving almost anything I set my mind to. It just shows what can happen when you put a lot of hard work into something you enjoy doing.”
Last Updated: 10/03/2010