1 April 2026

Station Garage, Kintore

As a technician in the Grampian area for over 20 years, my passion for fixing cars has never been stronger than it is now. With never ending rapid advancement in technology fitted to vehicles today, the need for training is a main priority. Operating on the belief that knowledge is power, if you know how something works, how to test it then you can diagnose any vehicle fault.

Throughout my career as an automotive technician, training wasn’t valued by previous employers as a requirement but more of a hinderance due to workshop work load. In fact many technicians will share a similar experience to myself & be denied the chance to upskill. This backwards thinking of many garages out there is a leading contribution in my opinion as to why our trade has been held back compared to other trades. This lack of opportunity to further my education which could be counted on one hand spanning 20 years post apprenticeship gave me the desire to pursue my own training.

Undeterred, a plan devised & how to execute it, I set off on a journey with James Dillon & team at Technical Topics Ltd in Bridgwater, somerset. The goal to the be the best I can be and become one of the few nationwide accredited imi Master technicians. The 3 year journey to achieve this personal goal was one of the best life experiences. Completing over 20 courses, empowered with new knowledge, lifetime friends made & networking at its finest; has instilled the ability to tackle any fault that comes through the door.

Unaware of the Grampian motor training trust or what it stood for, left me funding the training myself. This of course with it a financial implication. Long term friend Fraser Miller of the SMTA first made me aware of GMTT & urged me to contact the team.

The application online was effortless & submitted in a matter of minutes. Not expecting any contact back, I was thrilled when Ronay at GMTT called to discuss my application for funding. Massively grateful and in shock that the board chose to help a technician like myself. Adrian Smith of GMTT explained this is exactly what the trust was made for. To help upskill individuals, not limited to just technicians but to front of house team or even accounts.

My wish is for the Automotive industry to be regulated where you must be certified to work on a vehicle or specific systems. This upskilling will bring our trade upwards where it deserves to be as the highest skilled trade of them all. Afterall we are mechanics, electricians, plumbers, hydraulic technicians rolled into one – the Automotive Technician.

I strongly urge any technician or employer to reach out to GMTT for any help with funding for training while it still remains.

The only one stopping self-progression is yourself. Be the best you can be! The Grampian Motor Training Trust is there to help you.

Hopefully my story can inspire others to upskill & pursue their dreams or goals.

Steven Mcleod
Master Technician