17-year-old Lucy Mallon is a step closer to achieving her ambition of becoming a motor vehicle technician, after securing an apprenticeship with Jennings Kia.

Lucy, who is the first female apprentice motor vehicle technician to be taken on at the Jennings Kia dealership, in Stockton said: “From as young as I can remember, I have always wanted to learn about how an engine works and what goes on underneath the bonnet of a car.”

Lucy’s new role follows her completion of a one-year mechanics course at Hartlepool College. She added: “I am so grateful to have been given this excellent opportunity with one of the region’s longest established and well respected motor dealer groups.“It’s great to have found an employer so heavily focused on developing skills and knowledge.  I am particularly looking forward to the practical side of things and learning exactly how everything works underneath the bonnet.

“My family and friends have also been extremely supportive in my career choice, which is great too.”

Ian Grant, service manager at the Jennings Kia dealership commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be taking Lucy on through the highly successful Apprenticeship programme. It was evident at the interview that she is very keen to learn, extremely ambitious, determined to succeed and certainly isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.  I am extremely confident that Lucy will thoroughly enjoy the Apprenticeship and she will also be an asset to the service team.”