Andy Bower

Ambitious Apprentice Motors His Way to Managing Director

At 18, Andy Bower started out as motor vehicle apprentice, just 7 years later he was the Managing Director of Lincoln Volkswagen Specialist Ltd.

Proving exactly what can be achieved by studying an apprenticeship, Andy’s story of hard work and ambition is an inspiring one.

Having left school at 16, Andy took up a part time job at Halfords, but it soon became clear that a career in the motor vehicle industry is where he saw his future. To accomplish this, Andy knew he’d have to get some qualifications and experience behind him:

“I couldn’t afford to go back to college full time and knew that an apprenticeship would give the opportunity to earn whilst I learnt, so I contacted Lincoln College for some advice,” says Andy.

“I was keen to get started, so enrolled on the apprenticeship programme in 2002, taking up a placement with a local dealership. I was working in the industry, learning from the professionals, whilst earning a wage – it was the perfect solution for me.”

After completing his apprenticeship, Andy stayed on at the dealership before deciding that he wanted to set up his own business. Andy leased a unit to get Lincoln Volkswagen Specialist Ltd off the ground, and with hard work and dedication was later able to purchase a permanent site and take on a member of staff:

“At the start, I worked tirelessly running the business on my own, but 6 months into it I was able to take on a member of staff, James, who was also my first apprentice!”

Andy concludes:

“My apprenticeship taught me the technical skills, but also employability skills. With the support of your employer and training provider, you learn about the industry through hands on experience, giving you the skills and qualifications to go on to have a successful career, whatever your ambition might be.”