Nicola Poulton-White

Nicola qualified as a hairdresser and beautician when she left school and she also liked ‘messing about with cars.’ Last year she decided to retrain in motor vehicle and successfully completed ABC Foundation in Motor Vehicle Studies and has now progressed on to the City and Guilds 6956 Progression Award in Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repair which she will complete this year. Chris Wiggins owner of Power Start City Road Garage where Nicola is on work placement says ‘I don’t see what the problem is [females doing motor mechanics] Nicola acts on her own initiative and can do the job which is more important than whether someone is male or female.’

Next Steps Nicola plans to complete her training by studying for an NVQ to become fully qualified mechanic.

During her time at the college Nicola has received help and encouragement from Let’s TWIST, a project in the college that aims to support women who want to work in male dominated areas. Nicola said ‘It’s been good at the college I have learnt a lot and Let’s TWIST has helped me to find a work placement to get some practical experience. When I tell friends what I’m doing now they usually say ‘What, a mechanic!’ ’ Her advice to others who are interested in something different is simply to …... ‘Do it!’

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