When I left school at 16 I collected my GCSE results and walked straight into my apprenticeship, quite literally walking from my school to their workshop! 

 

My training started with vacuum cleaners, I was dubbed the “Dyson doctor” after a short time of repairing and reconditioning Dysons and other vacuum cleaners, I graduated to tumble dryer repairs, learning to dismantle and reassemble them and getting familiar with the appliance before diagnosing faults and reconditioning them. 

 

I soon progressed and was trained to repair cookers, dishwashers and washing machines. I spent two years being trained in the workshop before passing my driving test and being entrusted with a company van, I was promoted to being a field service engineer on the road undertaking repairs in customers homes.  

 

I enjoyed meeting the customers and completing their repairs, however it’s not always cost effective to repair all appliances. I was trained to replace freestanding and install integrated appliances, another string to my bow. I continued to work for my parents for another 5 years before moving from Chelmsford to Colchester to buy my first home, my parents were close to retiring and I felt I wasn't quite experienced enough to run their company. 

 

I applied for a job with Knowhow (Curry’s) and was employed by them in November 2016 where I stayed until starting East Coast Appliances in April 2020. 

I was keen to learn to repair refrigeration, my manager saw this and sent me on training courses, I soon picked this up and after a short period of time I was able to repair them with confidence. 

 

After gaining a further 4.5 years of experience I decided it was time to go self-employed. Since establishing East Coast Appliances I’ve acquired regular work with local letting agents as well as working with a number of landlords who have become regular clients, as well as increasing my client base with the general public. My workload has increased exponentially to the extent that I'm now employing my first engineer as well as some admin help to continue the growth of the company.