Madison Godfrey - IMI

I completed a degree in Dance and Performing Arts and was working as a barista when I started hearing about an automotive apprenticeship through a family member who knew about my interest in cars. I went for the interview and was very eager to know more and to start this new career. 

I enjoy a lot of different parts of my job as a Vehicle Paint Technician for Steer. I love that every day I’m learning and widening my knowledge, as well as the opportunities it has brought, such as training days, skills competitions and awards ceremonies. 

I also enjoy how rewarding and satisfying it is, especially in paint, as you go from taking a damaged a car through the repair stages to making it look brand new again. I also love that I get to work on cars every day as this is a passion of mine. 

I was a Team Leader at Costa before, so I learnt how to work in a very fast-paced environment where I had to deal and manage with several things at once, which has helped me to make the best of my time and deal with things as they come so I don’t get stressed out. 

People often don’t realise that a lot of hard work goes into the whole repair process, and cars are not simple. Every single car is different in how it gets taken apart, in how to repair it and how to prep and paint it. You are learning every day and, as the automotive industry evolves and develops, car technicians also must keep up. It can be quite a demanding job at times. 

It is not as scary as young people think. Yes, it can be daunting to begin with, but you always have support and help whenever you need it. You just need to go for it and get stuck in. If you really enjoy it and have an interest [in cars], then you’ll have a lot of fun and learn so much. 

I would say this job is definitely one that – if you work hard – then you can get recognised and rewarded. I got Apprentice of the Year 2024, which meant so much as it just shows that, if you put your head down and just try your best, it pays off. 

I have also won other awards, such as being a gold medallist in the Steer Skills Competition. Now I get to be a Steer Apprentice Ambassador, so there are many more opportunities for me to take part in, such as being on stand for the IMI at Automechanika 2025, which was such an honour. There are always more chances to progress your career and your own personal progression.