A young woman has followed her passion to get into the world of mechanics by taking up an apprenticeship in heavy vehicle repair maintenance at Wessex DAF.
Marina Boura, from New Zealand, moved to Devon four years ago and has now begun a three year apprenticeship with the truck company.
The keen teen has always had an interest in mechanics - she used to join her dad tinkering with motorbikes when she was growing up.
Marina, who lives in South Devon, has been taken on at the Wessex DAF base in Newton Abbot.
“I really enjoy the working environment and look forward to qualifying”, said Marina.
She added: "I used to be involved in mechanics with my dad as a kid, mostly with motorbikes - he was a bikey as I was growing up and I am myself as well.
"My main goal was to work with heavy vehicles, working on trucks and lorries. I love that everything is superzied and diesel engines are interesting to work on - the engines have different concepts [compared to petrol]."
She is mentored on a daily basis by qualified technician Dean Mansell, who said: “Having been through the apprenticeship scheme myself I know how rewarding it can be and how valuable they are to local businesses. We are all looking forward to seeing how Marina progresses.”
Apprentices are employed at one of three Wessex DAF locations; Newton Abbot, Taunton and Saltash, where they work alongside qualified technicians, learning from their experience and developing the ability to work as part of a successful team.
They are also part of the coveted DAF Trucks Dealer Apprenticeship Programme and attend the DAF Trucks Centre of Learning at City of Bristol College in two week blocks throughout their apprenticeship, gaining nationally recognised qualifications in the process.
The Wessex DAF Apprenticeship Programme gives young adults from the age of 16 the chance to join a select group of specialist technicians working on some of the most modern and sophisticated trucks on the road.
And Marina has advice for any other females wanting to get into the trade.
"Definitely make sure you have a thick skin and you want to make the commitment. Don't wait on any special privilege - it's hardcore.
But Marina said: "I absolutely love it, I adore it."
To become a DAF Apprentice students must have gained, or expect, a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade C or above, one of which must be maths, and have a genuine interest in all things mechanical.
