Spotlight on Talent – Adnan Pervez

Studied : Level 2 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies/Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance

Progression : MOT tester

Adnan Pervez’s change of career really has steered him in a new direction.

Although the former taxi driver still works with cars, he is now a qualified MOT tester with ambitions to work for a dealership. He also wants his career journey to include a degree to add to the Level 2 and 3 automotive qualifications he gained at Walsall College.

“I know people who are studying motoring at the University of Wolverhampton and I’m hoping to get into the same course,” said the 33-year-old.

“I’d also like to work with a dealership because you have a chance to develop a more in-depth knowledge of cars. The machines are new and the working environment is more structured and operational so a bit more high profile. This would open up more opportunities for me.”

So after nine years as a taxi-driver, why the career change?

“I’ve always had a passion for cars and wanted to know more about how they work,” Adnan explained. “When I left college at 18, I thought I was done with education. It was only in the last few years I realised that with qualifications under your belt, you have more job options.

You can make a long term career for yourself and be more motivated about the work you’re doing.”

After a friend recommended the college to Adnan and he attended an Open Day, becoming one of five mature students on an automotive course. However, settling into college life wasn’t something he found easy to do straight away.

“When I first came to college, I was nervous as I hadn’t been in education for a very long time,” said Adnan. “There were two or three times when I wanted to walk out. It was thanks to the lecturers I stayed.

“The way they taught made the courses enjoyable, especially the theory. The practical work was of course interesting, but for me, it was the theory that made everything fall into place.

“Not only were they great teachers, they were willing to take time out of class to train us because they wanted us to achieve. I really appreciate what they did for us.”

After completing another qualification to become a MOT assessor and spending the last three months working in a garage, the dealership opportunities are getting closer – and so is the degree.