Over the past six Saturday mornings, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a brilliant group of aspiring apprentices to our Basic Mechanics Taster Course at TTS. The sessions were designed to give prospective applicants a real taste of what it’s like in a professional workshop, while helping them build the core skills and knowledge needed for a career in engineering and maintenance.

A First Step into the Workshop

For many of our attendees, this was their first time stepping into a professional workshop. From the very beginning, the aim was simple: help everyone feel comfortable in the environment and gain an understanding of how it all works.

We introduced the group to workshop safety, day-to-day procedures, and the importance of staying organised and working precisely—skills that are essential in any technical role.

As the weeks went on, it was great to see confidence grow. Things that felt new at the start quickly became familiar, and participants became more comfortable using tools, tackling tasks, and working both on their own and as part of a team.

Developing Practical Skills

A big part of the course focused on building practical, hands-on skills. Over the six sessions, participants got the chance to:

• Learn how to safely use a range of common hand tools and equipment
• Get to know basic mechanical components and how they work
• Carry out simple maintenance and repair tasks
• Build problem-solving skills through real workshop scenarios

The group also had the opportunity to carry out repair and maintenance tasks on our fleet of training vehicles, giving them valuable experience working on real equipment in a controlled, supportive setting.

We made sure the sessions were as practical as possible. Rather than just watching demonstrations, participants got stuck in themselves—which is often the best way to learn.

Learning from the Experts

One of the highlights of the course was the chance for participants to spend time with our Technical Training Team. Our trainers were on hand throughout, sharing their knowledge, offering guidance, and giving a real insight into how things work in the industry.

Reflecting on the programme, one of our trainers said:

“As one of the trainers, I feel the course not only developed foundational skills in correct tool usage, maintenance procedures, and fault finding, but also played a key role in inspiring learners to consider future careers in the sector. Many participants grew in confidence as they engaged with real-world tasks, showing curiosity, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn. It was particularly rewarding to see individuals who started with little or no experience leave the course with a clearer sense of direction.”

It wasn’t just about learning technical skills either—participants were encouraged to ask questions, have conversations, and really think about what a future in the automotive industry could look like for them.

A Glimpse into Life as a TTS Apprentice

Alongside the practical work, the course also gave participants a better understanding of what life as a TTS apprentice is all about. We talked through:

• What our apprenticeship programmes involve
• How hands-on training and classroom learning fit together
• The different career paths available
• The support we provide along the way

By the end of the six weeks, participants walked away not just with new skills, but with a much clearer idea of what being an apprentice at TTS could look like.

Looking Ahead

This Basic Mechanics Course has been a great reminder of how important it is to give people the chance to explore technical careers in a supportive, hands-on way. It’s about more than just learning new skills—it’s about building confidence, sparking interest, and helping people take their first steps towards a future career.

We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part, and a big thank you goes to our training team for delivering such an engaging experience.

For anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with TTS, this course is just the beginning—and we’re excited to see where that journey takes you.

If you’d like to register your interest in taking part in a future course, please fill in the form below.