Why it’s never too late to pursue your dream career
At aged 43, single mum Debbie decided to follow her dream of becoming a Motorcycle Mechanic. Debbie tells her story below.
By Debbie Moore
My name is Debbie and I am a 47-year-old single mother of 2 children. For 20 years, whilst my children were growing up, I worked as a nursery nurse. In 2017 I decided that I was going to follow my dream of becoming a motorcycle mechanic and swap changing nappies for changing oil filters.
Hugh Baird College had been recommended to me by a former student, so I took the plunge and enrolled on the Motor Cycle course. On my first day, I was very excited, but very nervous, as I knew that I was going to be the only female and the oldest person on the course. However, I was spurred on by the fact that one of the tutors had been a successful female in the Motorcycle industry. I really had no need to worry though as the tutors and the other students were amazing and made me feel totally at ease and part of the team.
In 2018, I was awarded the Student of the Year in Motor Vehicle Technology - I was ecstatic! I certainly shocked a few people at the awards ceremony when I tottered up for my award in my high heels and body con dress.
In my final year of training, I landed my first job at Wigan Yamaha as an Apprentice Mechanic. I gained lots of valuable experience and took on my first project bike, a Yamaha YBR. Personally, for me, I felt that I wanted to experience different roles within the industry in order to progress in my career.
I now work at Manchester Harley Davidson as Motor Clothes Manager and I love it! I have also taken on my second restoration project, a Harley Davidson Sportster 883.
Training to become a motorcycle mechanic has been the best decision of my life. Becoming a part of the Motorcycle industry and the biking community has been a true life-changing experience.
If you are a mature student looking to follow your dreams and pursue a new career, then my advice would be to go for it. I promise you will not look back.
