Ben’s passion for motorcycles and quad bikes saw him first enjoy a brief period with KIK as part of a work experience programme while at school. He then took up a trainee technician’s role on leaving school. He likes being part of a team, and enjoys the satisfaction of seeing race-prepared quad bikes that he’s worked on, winning for his employer. He’s also won apprentice of the year (2002) as part of his NVQ training with Honda’s Outdoor Power Equipment division

What’s in a typical day?
Cleaning bikes for servicing, stripping and rebuilding components and keeping customers satisfied. There are only two of us in a workshop that used to employ four – so we’re busy.

Did you always want to be a technician?
I’ve always had an interest in motorbikes and quads, and fancied being involved with them for a job, but from a technical side.

What was your first job?
This is my first job. Each day brings a different challenge and needs a different thought process to service or repair the different types of ATVs. But it is expensive building your own collection of tools.

What do you like about the industry?
Every day brings different jobs to do – so I never get bored. And it’s nice to have a well-equipped, modern, warm workshop to use.

What perks does your job offer?
A week off at Christmas and two weeks off in the year. Plus plenty of block-release NVQ training courses so I can keep up with ATV developments.

What skills do you need for your job?
You need to be handy with tools, have lots of common sense and a mechanical interest. I left school with plenty of qualifications, but none are as useful as the NVQs I’m studying so that I can be a better technician.

What is your biggest challenge?
Understanding how to deal with electronic faults. I’m not an auto-electrician, so it makes fault-finding a bit tricky.

Given your time again, would you choose a different career path?
No. I’m lucky enough to have turned an interest into my career. And the ATV market is a relatively new one, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities and new challenges as ATVs evolve.

What is your family background?
My father is a horse riding instructor and mum is a nurse. Neither are jobs I was interested in. I like quads and motorbikes.

What gives you a buzz?
We prepare racing quads too, and going out to watch the team do well in a weekend – knowing that I’ve worked on a particular machine – gives me a buzz.”

Source: with thanks to Career Track