Apprenticeship Spotlight: Sam’s Journey from the Armed Forces to Sapphire Vehicle Services
For many people, leaving the armed forces and finding the right career after serving can be a challenge. For Sam, the journey led her from 6 years with 2 tours in Iraq with the Royal Signals to a new passion for vehicles and a second career with Sapphire Vehicle Services.
After being medically discharged from the armed forces, Sam was looking for a new challenge where she found herself exploring several different career opportunities. While she gained valuable experience through a variety of roles, Sam never felt fulfilled and constantly felt like something was missing.
That changed when Sam discovered her passion for vehicles and found her way to Sapphire Vehicle Services through the charity Mission Motorsport. A charity supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service through motorsport and the automotive industry. Mission Motorsport advised Sam to attend the National Transition Event at Silverstone, a space designed to connect service leavers and veterans with employers and opportunities within the automotive and motorsport industries. It was there that Sam met one of Sapphire Vehicle Services’ technicians. That meeting proved to be the start of something new. Inspired by the opportunities available, Sam went on to submit an application to Sapphire and has been part of the team ever since.
Learning on the Job
Sam joined Sapphire through the company’s apprenticeship scheme, allowing her to develop her skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a working workshop environment. As a Year 2 Apprentice, Sam’s role has given her the chance to experience a wide range of areas within vehicle services. From diagnosing faults and technical work, whether that be on HGVs, Trailers, or even vans, including Custom, Transit and Sprinters, down to the overall organising and preparing of the workshop. For Sam, no two days are the same. Both the variety and responsibility she has received are just a snippet of the things she enjoys most about her role. The apprenticeship has provided a route to learn, develop and build confidence while working alongside experienced technicians and gaining practical knowledge that can be applied every day.
Looking Ahead
As Sam continues through her second year of the apprenticeship, she is looking forward to reaching Gateway in November, another important milestone in her development.
Her journey from serving in the armed forces to building a career in the automotive industry is a great example of how transferable skills, determination and the right opportunity can open the door to a new career. For Sam, discovering vehicles and finding Sapphire has given her the sense of fulfilment she had been looking for, and her journey is only just beginning.
