“I was 49 years old when I started the apprenticeship…it was the best thing I have done in a long time”
I have been working at the DVSA since 2020, and it has flown past. After working in retail for 20 years, managing several stores and large teams, I was made redundant in 2019. It was a challenging time, but I wanted a complete change from working in retail. I came across the Vehicle Standard Assessor (VSA) apprenticeship on the Civil Service Jobs website, and it was heavily worded towards around “great customer service.” This role really appealed to me, as I thrived on delivering excellent customer service and have always been a practical, hands-on person.
I was 49 years old when I started the apprenticeship. I was very conscious of doing it so late in my career and completely retraining in a new skill, but it was the best thing I have done in a long time.
Right from the beginning, I have been supported by the DVSA in completing my Level 3 qualification in HGV maintenance. This qualification has opened so many doors in the industry, and in the wider DVSA, which has many opportunities to progress. All training and development that I needed to become a VSA was provided to a high standard by dedicated apprentice managers and my peers via a mentor.
I have brought my customer service skills from my previous job into this role and make sure I deliver our customer principles in every interaction. I have recently helped develop a training program around customer service that will be used with all new entrants. Having my retail background helped bring a different approach to service, which should help the DVSA retain its Customer Service Excellence Award this year.
This is my third career since leaving high school, and I would recommend a complete change in career and retraining at any age. It’s liberating and keeps your work interesting. Imagine doing the same job all your life. I have not stopped challenging myself yet and I am always looking for opportunities to progress and build my skills portfolio through the ample training opportunities within the DVSA.