Martin Davey: Introduction to The Garage - Friday 26th September 2014

The Garage

Due to my reluctance to purchase a hand held distraction (modern mobile communications) device with facility to access internet and take photographs, my blog content has been somewhat lacking in interesting "stuff". I am therefore now starting to carry my camera around and, with the agreement of the garage owner, I have been permitted to take a few photographs within his premises, providing they do not breach any acts such as Data Protection, or reveal inappropriate use of garage equipment on non-productive vehicle technicians (humour - can delete if required)!

The Workshop Floor

I have been working on a voluntary basis at AA Automotive since March 2014, initially as part of my Level 2 PTA Work Experience element. The garage is located on the Pentre Industrial Estate, near Queensferry on Deeside. This unique experience has been a most incredibly challenging, enjoyable, interesting and rewarding one indeed. As a consequence I have continued to attend there ever since. I currently volunteer on a 1 day a week basis (in and around my current course of study and my paid employment in the evenings). However I have also provided holiday cover there for a 2 week period during the College Summer break.

The garage provides a very professional and extensive range of automotive services using top of the range tools and equipment. Such services include routine servicing, maintenance and repairs, MOTs, diagnostics using a Pico-scope and Autel, a respray booth for paintwork and restoration, air con re-gas, welding facility, tyre machines for the changing and balancing of tyres and wheels, and a 4 wheel laser aligner.

Routine Servicing

There are a couple of 2 post ramps and also two 4 post ramps, so a variety of sizes and types of vehicles can be up-lifted at any one time. The garage is still expanding and, as of Friday 26th September, was being fitted out with a new administrative office above the current reception area. The staff are all very friendly and include The Boss (Andy Kirby), The Receptionist & Secret Boss (Gaynor Kirby), 2 Apprentice Technicians, Dan and Dave (also of Coleg Cambria, currently attending Day Release Level 3 on a Thursday), and a Paint Spray and Restoration Technician - Graham. My role within the team is primarily to assist the technicians and Andy wherever required. However I have become most proficient at servicing brakes and also at Valet and polishing, house keeping and tea making.

Key Role in Sustaining Morale

MOT Data Input

Were I ever to be a young-en looking for a challenging and rewarding career then this job would be one of those I would be recommending. The work is demanding and, at times dirty, but providing you don't mind applying effort and determination it would provide a reliable source of income for a lifetime. Not only are you providing an invaluable, responsible and essential service to the general public at large, you also gain the experience to maintain your own vehicle at a considerably reduced cost to the personal coffers. As an individual example; with the generosity and permission of the Boss, I have subsequently now been permitted supervised access to the Garage facilities at any convenient time in order to carry out servicing and repairs to my own personal chariot. Such work I have undertaken so far includes the R&R of a steering rack, R&R 3 tyres with balance and alignment, the service and replacement of the rear brakes and pads and an MOT. All parts at cost and with labour removed from the equation, all adds up to a most appreciative saving indeed - Many thanks again Andy!

Below are a few more images of the day.