An uncle and nephew with over 70 years’ experience in the automotive industry are supporting students doing their qualifications at City of Wolverhampton College.
Pete Takyar, aged 61, and his nephew Kieron, 52, are technicians in the college’s automotive workshop and part of a team of eight delivering training to the next generation of industry employees.
The duo, who are based at the college’s Paget Road campus in Compton, are responsible for setting up equipment for lessons, ensuring vehicles are ready for students to work on, and giving advice on how to complete tasks set by tutors.
Both have extensive automotive experience – with Pete working in the industry for over 40 years and Kieron for 30 years – and each ran their own businesses before joining the college.
Pete, from Bilston, said: “I started my career as an apprentice with VW Audi in Wednesbury when I was 18 and attended the college on a day release basis to do my qualifications, before going on to run my own MOT station.
“From 2003, I owned Compton Road Motors before joining the college in 2017 and it’s great to be able to give something back and pass on the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to the next generation of automotive technicians.”
Kieron, who joined his uncle at the college in September 2022, added: “Pete advised me to get into the automotive industry when I was younger and, after working for an employer for over 20 years, I went on to have my own garage in East Park for 11 years.
“I’d heard Pete talking about his job at the college and how much satisfaction he gets from helping students develop their skills, so when a vacancy became available I didn’t hesitate to apply.
“Working at the college is totally different to running a commercial business, but I really enjoy working with the students and seeing how their skills, confidence and enthusiasm for a career in the automotive industry develop throughout their course.”
Get details of automotive courses offered by the college here
