Andy's Ark

Well done from us all at Andy's Ark

Andrew Easter, aged 29, from Bar Hill in Cambridge, exceeded his employer’s expectations as an apprentice motor mechanic and now runs his own car valeting business, despite living with cerebral palsy. His dedication and commitment to improving his life through learning is being recognised with a Learning Works Award as part of Adult Learners’ Week 12 – 18 May 2012.

Growing up, Andrew had an interest in cars and mechanics. He watched cars being repaired at a local garage and bought an old car to teach himself how it worked. At the age of 16, Andrew joined Andy’s Ark – the garage he’d watched as a teenager – as an apprentice motor mechanic. His employers had high hopes for Andrew, but were concerned as Andrew has cerebral palsy which primarily affects the right side of his body.

However Andrew’s sheer determination would see him excel in all areas of work as he found ways to compensate with the left side of his body. Andrew attended Huntingdon Regional College on day release from 2003 to 2005 and achieved NVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Light Motor Vehicle Motor Mechanics, and also learned to drive a manual car. Not satisfied with these qualifications alone, Andrew also attained an MOT Tester qualification.

Andrew continues to strive for more, having opened up a car valeting business, he gained further job-specific qualifications and is one of few valeters with full Institute of the Motor Industry accreditation. “My life transformed from the moment I was given a chance,” said Andrew, who said his apprenticeship also gave him, “ambition to succeed despite a disadvantage.”

John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said, ”

David Hughes, NIACE Chief Executive, said, “Every one of our award winners, for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week, illustrates how learning can help people to change their lives, make them feel part of their community and help support them in their future. Andrew Easter’s life has improved because of his commitment, enthusiasm and ambition. I hope that others will be inspired by this story and see the role that learning can play to help them get a better life.”

Check this out!!!! David Missen is doing the London Marathon for Andy’s Ark

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge/Dads-marathon-effort-27032012.htm

This link says it all.

http://www.cambridgefirst.co.uk/sport/inspirational_fundraiser_in_olympic_torch_relay_1_1211531

Andy Youle has past his driving test, and on Saturday he fitted a new clutch to his own car so that he can now get on the road. Well done Andy.

From left to right, Me, Andy Youle, Will Baker, Jamie Hall, Charssie Aldridge, and in the car is Joey Dunn.

On Thursday 16th at 10.00am to Cherie Denton came in to hand over the keys to a VX220 that they have given to us to help with the training of our students. It is a preproduction car that was used for testing,driver training and now it’s going to get a second life being used to build the confidence of our disabled and disadvantaged students. It is a good example of, the manufactures (Vauxhall), the sector skills council (IMI) and a trainer/employer getting together to support young disadvantaged trainees succeed through the building of individual confidence, through trusting them to work on such a car, as it is very difficult because we can’t let the student work on customers cars, without fulltime supervision or until they are qualified to level 2.

We would like to say a special thanks to Vauxhall for the car. It means so much to our team to be recognised by a manufacturer for the work that we do and to let us have such a car to work with.

Andrew uses every part of his body ie his tummy because his right hand does not work so good.

Andrew Easter, one of our first students has just set up his own business, a franchise with AutoSheen. We would all like to wish him every success with this venture.

Andrew spent seven years with us training to become a level three Motor Mechanic and MOT tester. Yes, he took longer than the average apprentice, who would normally take four years but when you find out that this is a lad that has Cerebal Palsy you start to understand, why, this is such an achievement that we are so proud of.

He has now shown that the work we do works.

Do you want to give something back to the community?

Do you have a few spare hours each month to help young people achieve their full potential?

Want to get some real work experience to put on your CV?

Andy’s Ark, based in Bar Hill was founded by Andy Kent, the owner of Andy’s Kars Ltd. Andy himself has faced many challenges in his life and wanted to use his success to help others. He was recently awarded the Barclays Trading places community award which recognised his achievements.

The charity trains and educates young people who want to work in the motor trade.  Some of the learners have faced challenges like illness, low self esteem and discrimination. Andy’s Ark provides them with the skills they need to succeed in the work place and emotional support to help them through life.

Andy’s Ark is in the process of registering with the charity Commission status and is looking to expand the number of volunteers and trustees to move the organisation forward.

There’s a whole range of ways in which individuals can help the charity by giving some of their time.

The charity is in particular need of people with financial or accounting experience who could spare a few hours a month to maintain good financial records.

Other people may be able to help by organising fundraising events like quizzes, dances and sponsored challenges.

We’ll also be looking for people who can help with things like delivering leaflets and processing application forms.

So if you want to help others by donating a few hours of your time each month then contact andy.kent@andys-ark.org.uk or call 01954 782666 for further information.

Happy New Year to all past and present trainees and supporters!
Andy and the trustees of Andy’s Ark would like to wish everyone a happy 2011. May it be prosperous and full of learning for you all.