Inspirational journey: From apprentice to business owner

We love to celebrate the success of our inspirational apprentices. We caught up with Jed Stacey at JTS Auto, to discuss his journey from apprentice to business owner.

Jed completed his Level 2 and Level 3 Service & Maintenance Technician qualifications with us, and has since gone on to own his own business. He now employs his own apprentice, Jayson, who started his Level 3 Service & Maintenance Technician apprenticeship in September 2022.

Jed says, “After completing work experience at Mini BMW, I began working weekends at Bassett Garage. I really enjoyed it there so I asked if they’d take me on as an apprentice. They agreed and that’s where my career began.

“I liked the idea of an apprenticeship over an academic course because I could earn money whilst studying.“

The benefit of this type of study/training is gaining experience much quicker with real-world experience.

After completing my apprenticeship, I had no intention of starting my own business. I continued working full-time at Bassett Garage as a technician and did some private work at weekends. This started to take off more than I had imagined. I then invested in a small trailer to help transport cars to do up and sell on for profit. Eventually I needed to lease a small unit and the business continued to grow!

I now employ four members of staff and have upgraded to a bigger unit on a local industrial estate in Royal Wootton Bassett.

My apprenticeship gave me the confidence and skills to start my own business. I’d encourage anyone considering a career in this industry to do an apprenticeship. I would never have imagined I would be where I am today when I first began that weekend job.”