Adult returner Gavin joined NESCol to pursue his dreams of an automotive career, leading to a Modern Apprenticeship at RS Auto Montrose.

40-year-old Gavin Easton lives in Montrose and has a background in the chemical industry. After advancing to a product manager role, it dawned on Gavin that sitting in front of a computer all day was not for him.

He said, “Management is what people strive for, but I realised it’s not what I wanted.

“I decided to start working as a taxi driver. I enjoy driving so it was an easy job for me, and I was single at the time, so I could work unsociable hours and make plenty of money.”

Gavin’s priorities changed when he met his wife. He felt like he was missing out on family time with their three children, working long hours and night shifts, but he was nervous to leave a well-paid job.

Having always had an interest in cars, Gavin was keen to undertake an automotive apprenticeship and was convinced by his wife to go for it.

Studying at NESCol

Gavin’s first step was NESCol. He initially applied for a year-long course but was offered a last-minute space on a condensed six-month Automotive Vehicle Accident Repair course. He jumped at the opportunity and started his studies at Altens Campus in January 2022.

Gavin changed his hours as a taxi driver and for the next six months, was either working or at College every day. Despite his busy schedule, he also enrolled on a part-time welding course at Fraserburgh campus one evening a week.

He said, “On the days I had welding, I left home in Montrose at 7.30am, drove to Aberdeen for my automotive course, and then drove up to Fraserburgh for welding in the evening. I got back down the road at about 10.30pm.

“It was a means to get me where I wanted to be, and it was a good test – after seven days a week, I still really enjoyed it!

“The College is immense for learning and my positive experience was thanks to the people. All the lecturers made it really easy, and it was a pleasure to come in and learn.”

Automotive Modern Apprenticeship

As soon as Gavin completed his course, he put the feelers out about apprenticeship opportunities and secured a position close to home, at RS Auto Montrose.

Currently completing the third year of his Modern Apprenticeship, Gavin is still enjoying the automotive industry and continuing to grow his skillset at work and NESCol.

He said, “I wake up every Monday morning excited to go to work, and I’ve never had that before in my 20 years of working. I’ve tried to soak up everything like a sponge and learn what I can.”

Despite his positive experience, Gavin originally found the idea of changing careers in his thirties daunting.

He said, “I didn’t expect to start an apprenticeship at 37 years old, and the first year was tough in terms of our finances. We got our expenses down and made some short-term sacrifices to facilitate it. Realistically, you don’t need the fancy car or the massive mortgage – that will come in the next few years!

“I am so grateful to my wife for encouraging me to follow my passion. A lot landed on her when I was studying and I was worried that it wasn’t fair on her or the kids, but she reassured me that we’re on the same team. She’s brilliant.”

Future plans

It’s no surprise that Gavin plans to continue working in the automotive industry after his apprenticeship!

Alongside his day job, Gavin also has a passion project: running a YouTube channel and Instagram, where he primarily posts about his classic Volkswagen MK1 Golf.

He said, “I really enjoy it, and social media is the world we live in now.

“I’d like to work on project cars in the future, and I’ve been building up my contacts in the industry. I want to be the person people go to when they want a car built, a name associated with a quality build, both at work and in my personal projects.”

Advice to students

Gavin has a tenacious personality and the confidence to try new things, but he understands that changing careers feels intimidating.

He said, “My advice is to just do it! However, I don’t take my spontaneous mindset for granted. I’ll just go for it – if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter.

“I think the issue with a lot of people is that they don’t know what they want to do. College gave me a taster and there are so many courses on offer that you can dip your toe into. The evening classes are also brilliant, and really helpful.

“Find something you want to do, free up a couple of days a week and just go for it.”