John Denby, Mechanic, workshop manager and co-owner of MDS Cars
Journey into the world of mechanics with John Denby.
Why do I love my job I’ve always loved cars and I’ve always wanted to do things with my hands. I also love working in a team. Cars were always a hobby way before they were a job.
What did I love doing at school: I actually really enjoyed maths and nothing else at school! I was good at maths, terrible at English and I couldn’t get on with science. Maths doesn’t really come into being a mechanic, but it does come into the business side, working out bills, invoices etc.
Childhood hobbies: I did a lot of biking when I was younger, BMX and mountain bikes. That then led into banger racing, hot rods and touring car racing. Cars are most definitely my thing, but I like to keep my mechanic career separate from my racing, which is my fun.
How to get into the sector: Because I was always playing with cars, my uncle owned a garage, and I did my school work experience with him. When I left school, I went and helped him when I could, to earn a little bit of money and still play with cars. I tried to get an apprenticeship, but couldn’t get in, so I had a year working in a golf club kitchen. The woman who worked in the club’s bar was married to a mechanic and I got an apprenticeship with him. I loved being an apprentice because I wanted to learn about it – completely different and much easier than being at school. I wanted to know everything and be good at my job. I still had to do my key skills because I didn’t do well at school, but I got back up to speed while I was at college. I have now worked in three garages my entire career.
Related jobs: The good thing about being a mechanic it that you are also a plumber, a electrician and a mechanic! You have to have a ‘I can fix this’ attitude, kind of a Jack of all trades. If there is a coolant leak – you’re a plumber, if there’s a lighting problem – you’re an electrician. There are so many transferable skills. Mechanics can go beyond just working on cars, from F1 to tuning. There is also the office/ admin side that offers other opportunities.
Career high: Becoming a co-owner/Director here at MDS Cars. I worked here for 11 years before I was finally able to buy in and call it mine.
Top tip: Always stick with something you know and enjoy. Be prepared to start at the bottom of the ladder. It’s hard work but if you listen and do research, you will be good at the job, even if you start out as the tea person, sweeping up, cleaning cars and you will learn and pick up skills. - John Denby, Mechanic, workshop manager and co-owner of MDS Cars