Ross McLachlan, 20, has been working at Brooklands Auto in Reading since leaving school. His position as a motor mechanic means that he has plenty of opportunity to indulge his love of
cars - and to get his hands dirty.

Why did you choose this career? 

I've been working on cars for as long as
I can remember. About three years ago
I started going down to Brooklands Auto
to get a day's work experience each
week. I was lucky because they took me
on while I was still at college and offered me a job at the end of the year.

Which qualification did you do? 

I did a City & Guilds in Motor Mechanics. I learned a lot from that and now I'm working while I continue my studies. The qualification isn't a five-minute thing - it's three years of college - but I'm gaining skills that will last me for life.

What's the best thing about the job?

I like learning how to fix things. Last week I managed to fix a head gasket, even though I've never done one before. I struggled quite a bit but I got it done in the end and it was really rewarding because everyone says that head gaskets are really hard to do.

What's the worst thing about the job?

When it's really cold you think that there must be easier jobs. Ones where you don't have to be out in the cold covered in oil and muck!

What's the money like? 

Not great for an apprentice, but it gets better as you gain qualifications.

What do you want to do in the future? 

I'd like to be an MOT tester, but I would have to take another test to be able to do that. I wouldn't mind getting into bikes a bit more too, because I'm into motorcycling.