Apprentice of the Month, February 2022: Grace Campbell
Grace Campbell is the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for February 2022.
The 21-year-old, who works for Central Bike Centre in Emerald, is in the third year of her automotive sales (parts interpreting) apprenticeship and is proving to be an excellent student, impressing both her employer and trainer with her work ethic, customer service and product knowledge.
“Grace is an exemplary employee displaying learning, personal behavioural characteristics and skills of the highest standard and order,” said Ross and Andrea Drayton, Grace’s Employers.
“Her level of attention to customer care and service is exceptional, supported by her ability to provide full-circle support through her product knowledge.”
As a parts interpreter in training, Grace talks to customers regularly to find out their exact needs and recommend the appropriate parts. She must identify the different make, model and variations of vehicles, motorcycles, and power equipment, and assist customers in finding the right product.
“Grace is constantly on the move, answering phones, dealing with customers both external and internal. I have never met anyone that applies themselves to their job as she does and enjoys every minute of their day,” said Andrew Keys, Grace’s MTA Institute Trainer.
But to Grace, this is just one small part of the job.
“It’s not just about getting the work done, it’s talking to customers, seeing how their day is and giving them a great experience. You want them leaving the shop thinking ‘wow that was easy’,” she said.
Grace’s helpfulness and dedication to the job is paying off, with one of the shop’s regular farming customers giving her the nickname “Amazing Grace”.
Working in automotive was not originally something on Grace’s radar, but when the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship came up, Grace was eager to get involved.
“Ross and Andrea are good family friends. One day I was visiting their workshop and they mentioned they needed an apprentice. The automotive industry offers so many pathways to go down, so of course I was keen to get started.”
Three years later, Grace is still enjoying every minute of it.
“I am really happy working here. It’s just the seven of us in the shop, so we are all really close. They are like a second family to me.
“Working here, you’re smiling when you get to the shop and still smiling when you go home.”
Having trained with MTA Institute since the beginning of her apprenticeship, Grace said that the in-person, one-on-one training at the student’s place of employment was one she could readily recommend.
“Andrew is a fantastic trainer. Once you have completed your workbook, he will sit with you and go through the answers – what you did well, what could have been improved. He really takes the time to explain the different areas, so you have a good understanding of them.”
With a plan to finish her final units in October this year, Grace is looking to continue her studies with a course in business management, something that her employers support wholeheartedly.
“Grace is a person that will continue on the highway of learning throughout her life and already is looking to her next challenge with undergraduate studies in management being considered after completion of her apprenticeship,” said Ross and Andrea.
“As her employer, we are extremely proud of what Grace has achieved with us.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2022)
15 March 2022
