Giving up a university place for a specialist motor training course has proved anything but rocket science for a teenage car enthusiast.
Michael Given, 18, from Burntisland, Kirkcaldy, turned down the chance to study astrophysics at university for a course by Volkswagen retailer, Specialist Cars in Kirkcaldy, where he has been accepted as the latest recruit on the company’s technician apprenticeship scheme.
Over the next three years Specialist Cars will invest nearly £40,000 to train Michael through to technician status.
The move reflects a growing trend by youngsters to opt out of university for more skills and vocational based apprenticeships.
Michael originally approached Specialist Cars for a role at its customer services centre. The team felt his knowledge, skills and passion were more suited to the apprentice programme and offered him the role.
Michael said: “I decided to turn down a university place to study astrophysics so I am over the moon to have secured the apprenticeship with Specialist Cars. My aim is to go as far as I can in my career.
“I have always been technically minded and fascinated by the way things work so I am really looking forward to working on Volkswagen vehicles.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I want to show everyone how much this apprenticeship means to me.”
Specialist Cars’ brand manager, Paul Lanni, said: “Michael’s passion and technical know-how was one of the main reasons why we choose him for the apprenticeship programme.
“We are confident he will come through the three years with flying colours.”