Dorje Tamang: How Completing a Level 3 Vehicle Engineering Apprenticeship Advanced my Career

Dorje Tamang, ADSL Vehicle Mechanic/Fitter, completed a Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship in March 2023. He shares his motivation, skills, challenges, and advice for anyone who is interested in or doing an Apprenticeship in the Vehicle Engineering sector. 

Q: What motivated you to choose an Apprenticeship over other options? 

A: I chose an Apprenticeship because of my previous experience and interest in the Vehicle Engineering sector. I was working as a Craft Auxiliary at ADSL, where I did Level 1 maintenance and repairs of the Vehicle Fleet. I had learned these skills in the British Army, as part of the Gurkha Logistics Corp – MT Department. 

When I saw an opportunity to apply for a Vehicle Mechanic/Fitter position at ADSL, I was confident that I had the basic skills and knowledge to succeed, even though I did not have the required qualifications. I knew that getting the job would mean attending and completing an Apprenticeship, which I was eager to do. 

I also consulted with some of my colleagues and peers before applying, and they all encouraged me and supported me in pursuing this career path.

Q: What skills and knowledge did you gain from your Apprenticeship? 

A: My Apprenticeship helped me improve my skills and knowledge in various areas of the Heavy Vehicle sector. I learned about the Health & Safety requirements, the proper use of tools, test equipment and machinery, and the different aspects of the contract fleet maintenance and repair. I completed several training modules and assessments, both at work and at college, with the guidance of a mentor. I also gained confidence in my own abilities, thanks to the feedback and support from my colleagues and mentors.

I chose to do an Apprenticeship because I think it is the best way to get my formal Vehicle Engineering qualifications. I learned a lot from the hands-on experience and the guidance of my mentors. I also gained valuable skills and knowledge that are relevant to the Vehicle Engineering sector.

— Dorje Tamang, Vehicle Mechanic/Fitter

Q: How did your Apprenticeship help you progress in your career or achieve your goals? 

A: My Apprenticeship was essential for my career progression and goal achievement. I was already working at ADSL, but I needed to complete the Apprenticeship to meet the terms and conditions of my new contract as a Vehicle Mechanic/Fitter. I successfully finished the Apprenticeship and obtained my Level 3 Technician Qualification, which was my main goal. This also opened new opportunities for me to further develop my Engineering skillsets and experience and advance my career in Vehicle Engineering.

Q: What challenges or difficulties did you face during your Apprenticeship and how did you overcome them? 

A: I faced many challenges and difficulties during my Apprenticeship, but I managed to overcome them with resilience and support. Some of the challenges I faced were: 

• Changing college locations and teachers: Due to availability issues, I had to switch between three different colleges (Chippenham, Trowbridge and Lackham) during my Apprenticeship, which meant adapting to different facilities and teaching methods. Fortunately, I had a driving license, and I was able to cope with these changes as a mature student/apprentice. 
• COVID pandemic: This had a major impact on how the teaching was delivered. Instead of going to college, I had to do online learning and submit my work electronically. I was able to handle this transition smoothly, thanks to my good IT skills and the access to a computer at home or at work. 
• Family crisis overseas: I had to take some time off to support my family during a difficult situation. I received full support from both the business and the college during this period. They gave me some modules and homework to do, so I could keep up with my learning and not fall behind. 
• Modern vehicle modules: I faced some difficulties with some of the modules that required computer diagnosis and electronics testing, as the contract fleet we maintained did not have these features. To overcome this, I had to spend more time at the college, where they provided me with a commercial truck to practice on. 

I think that my strong work ethic, drive to develop, and positive personal traits, along with the support of my line manager and colleagues, helped me embrace and adapt to any changes and difficulties throughout my Apprenticeship.

L-R: Mark Hames (Mentor), Dorje Tamang, Brian Clark (Equipment Care Manager), Brian Woodham (Mentor) & Andrew Urwin (Line Manager)

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering an Apprenticeship or is currently doing one? 

A: Based on my experience, I would give the following advice to anyone who is interested in or doing an Apprenticeship: 

• Make sure you have good IT skills, as they are essential for online learning and submitting your work. 
• Research the modules and the evidence you need to provide for your Apprenticeship. Check with your assessor what they expect from you and how they want you to present your work. 
• Practice as much as you can in the workplace, as the time you get at college may be limited. 
• Communicate and ask questions, both at college and at work. Talk to your mentor, your line manager, and your colleagues, especially if you are unsure about anything. 
• Don’t feel isolated, there is support and assistance available, but you need to speak up and ask for it. 

Q: How do you feel about the value and recognition of Apprenticeships in your sector or industry? 

A: I think that Apprenticeships are very valuable and recognised in the Vehicle Engineering sector. Without the formal qualifications, it is very hard to get a job in this field. ADSL and other contractors that provide Vehicle Engineering services to the MoD under contracts are examples of this, as they require formal qualifications as a pre-requisite for employment. 

Q: What are some of the benefits or drawbacks of doing an Apprenticeship compared to other pathways? 

A: I can’t really comment on this, as I did not explore other pathways to get my formal Vehicle Engineering qualifications. However, I chose to do an Apprenticeship because I think it is the best way to get my formal Vehicle Engineering qualifications. I learned a lot from the hands-on experience and the guidance of my mentors. I also gained valuable skills and knowledge that are relevant to the Vehicle Engineering sector. Even if I worked as a Vehicle Mechanic in the commercial sector, I would still need to get the formal qualifications, so I think doing an Apprenticeship was a smart choice for me.