Lisa Ellis, a 45-year-old apprentice in the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship at Carlisle College, is breaking barriers by pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Her journey demonstrates how apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for people of all ages to gain new skills and fulfil their ambitions.

Lisa joined the college later in life with a clear goal: to achieve the career she had dreamed of for over 20 years, despite the setbacks and responsibilities that had delayed her ambitions.

“I left school with no qualifications, I went to work in a local factory (Gavagan and Gray) and worked my way up from the line to assistant planning manager… then I was made redundant when they knocked it down and I flitted after that.

“About six, seven years ago I had a problem with my car. I took it into the garage and I couldn’t pay the hundreds it would take to fix it. The lad there said ‘have a go, research it and have a go yourself.’ I did and really enjoyed it, I took the full engine out,” she says.

Aware that she would be an older student in a predominantly male environment, she embraced the challenge while balancing her role as a single mother to Keelan, 13, and a part-time job at a supermarket.

She was one of two women (the other was 18 years old) in a class of 18. She says she was a little worried at first but soon built up a bond with them all. Her hard work paid off and she maintained 100 per cent attendance, earned her maths and English qualifications, and consistently achieved strong marks.

Her dedication led to a work trial at Halfords, resulting in an apprenticeship as a motor vehicle technician. At Carlisle College, she continued to excel, supporting her classmates by providing materials and contributing insightful perspectives to discussions. Her leadership and empathy were evident in her interactions with younger peers.

Lisa has been recognised for her achievements by being promoted to assistant workshop manager, named Carlisle College Technical Services Apprentice of the Year and honoured as the 2024 Apprentice of the Year.

She now has a permanent position at Halfords in London Road, Carlisle, and is planning to train to be a MOT tester in the future.

“I’ve got ADHD,” she says. “So this really suits me, physically always on the go. I just decided to go for it and here I am. My son thinks it’s marvellous too!” she says. Sadly she said her son was too young to accompany her to the awards so she was taking her dad instead who is equally proud of her achievements. Judges said she was a very worthy winner of this category.