After making the bold decision to leave a career in the police, Izzie followed her passion for cars and has since built a successful career as a technician at Hendy Mazda, earning a place in the IMI Skills Competition Finals.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the automotive industry and how did you get started?
My route into the automotive industry wasn't a traditional one. I made a complete career change, having previously worked in the police. Although I had always loved cars and had an interest in motorsport, racing was more of a background interest for me. Towards the end of 2021, my passion for racing and cars really grew, and I started looking more closely at what happened behind the scenes in garages and workshops.
I found myself becoming increasingly curious about how vehicles worked, how faults could be diagnosed and repaired, and how technicians carried out their day-to-day roles. The more I looked into it, the more I realised it was something I wanted to be involved in. That curiosity led me to start searching for apprenticeship opportunities, and before long I had begun my journey into the automotive industry.
Since then, I have completed my apprenticeship and achieved my Level 3 qualification. My training included two years at Level 2 followed by a year at Level 3, alongside gaining additional qualifications in areas such as air conditioning and electric vehicle technologies.
Can you walk us through your career journey so far?
When I first joined the industry, I already had a basic knowledge of cars, but over the last four years I have learned so much more than I ever expected. While my apprenticeship exposed me to all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair, I have found myself particularly drawn to diagnostics and electrical systems. Although I enjoy the mechanical side of the job as well, diagnostics and fault finding are the areas I enjoy most and where I feel I have developed the strongest skills.
Have you faced any challenges during your career journey and how have you overcome them?
Like many people entering a new profession, I have faced challenges along the way. One of those has been working in a physically demanding environment. As a female technician, there are times when certain tasks can be more difficult physically, but I've always found that there is support available when needed. The people around me have always been willing to help and share their knowledge.
Another challenge has been overcoming self-doubt. At times, I've questioned whether I'm good enough, but I remind myself that I'm only four years into my career and still have so much to learn. For me, it's about continuing to develop, building confidence and overcoming those hurdles as they arise.
How would you describe your experience in the IMI Skills Competition?
I first heard about the IMI Skills Competition through the academy. I was attending a training course shortly before my End Point Assessment when the competition was mentioned to me. At first, I wasn't entirely sure about entering, but when I was contacted again, I decided there was no reason not to give it a go.
Looking back, I'm really glad I did. The competition has been a great experience, allowing me to learn new things, push myself outside my comfort zone and gain exposure to challenges I wouldn't normally encounter. It has also helped me build confidence by putting myself out there and testing my skills in a different environment.
What new skills or knowledge have you gained through participating in the competition?
One of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to work under pressure and tackle a wider variety of tasks. The competition involves working on different vehicle brands and systems, which has broadened my knowledge beyond the vehicles I see every day in the dealership. Even when unfamiliar vehicles come into the workshop now, I feel more confident about approaching them because of the experience I've gained through the competition.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in the automotive sector?
For anyone considering a career in the automotive industry, my advice is simple: if you have the passion, the drive and a genuine desire to learn, then go for it. If it's something you enjoy, it's worth pursuing.
I'd also encourage anyone thinking about entering an IMI Skills Competition to take the opportunity. It doesn't matter how far you progress; the experience itself is invaluable. You'll learn new skills, meet new people and challenge yourself in ways you might not expect. Most importantly, you'll be able to look back knowing that you gave it a go, and that's always worthwhile.
Find out more about the IMI Skills Competition.
