Introducing our next Activate Apprentice Allstar...

Apprenticeships are vital for the future of the vehicle repair industry! That’s why we’re so proud of our award-winning Activate Accident Repair apprenticeship scheme.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re delighted to share a special edition of Activate Allstars, our regular interview series where we shine a light on team members across the business, celebrating their growth, achievements, and contributions.

Here, we chat to Joe McKinney, a final-year apprentice MET Technician at our Sunderland site.

When did you start your apprenticeship, and what role are you training for?

I started my apprenticeship in October 2022 when I was 17. I’m training as an MET Technician at Activate Repair Sunderland.

What first attracted you to begin an apprenticeship with Activate Group?

The role matched what I wanted to do, working with vehicles. I did some research into the company, and the values aligned with my own aspirations for the future.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve done throughout your apprenticeship?

As an MET Technician, I strip down cars to make sure the other disciplines can do their work efficiently. I handle the mechanical side, like suspension work and 4-wheel alignments, to check for any damage that might not be immediately visible. I also work with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), programming and calibrating these systems, especially when they’ve been removed or need recalibration.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve learned a lot and feel confident enough to carry out tasks on my own now. In the beginning, I was mostly assisting and shadowing my mentor, but the hands-on experience has really helped me develop.

What support has been offered to you to help you succeed?

I’ve had great support from my mentor, manager, and workshop controller. They’ve been flexible and understanding of my abilities at each stage. In an apprenticeship, there are times when mistakes happen, but I’ve always felt supported by the team.

What’s been your favourite part of your apprenticeship?

Learning something new every day has been really rewarding. I’ve also had the opportunity to work at other sites, like Mildenhall and Newcastle, which allowed me to meet new colleagues and gain more experience.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship with Activate Group?

Go for it! If you’re someone who enjoys physical work and wants to learn a trade, it’s a great opportunity.

What’s your proudest moment as part of the business?

Gaining independence and the trust of my team. Being able to work at different sites when needed has really boosted my confidence and shown me that I’m trusted in my role.

What’s the greatest challenge you’ve faced during your apprenticeship?

This was my first job in the industry, so I was initially nervous about adapting and integrating into the team. It took a couple of weeks to get comfortable with the job, the processes, and the expectations. But once I settled in, I realised it wasn’t as daunting as I had first thought.

What do you see for your future at Activate Group?

I’m looking forward to becoming a fully qualified technician and contributing as much as I can to the team.

To learn more about our multi-award winning apprenticeship scheme and career opportunities, click the link: https://activate-group-limited.breezy.hr/