Andrew Easter
Growing up, Andrew harboured 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 low expectations as Andrew had cerebral palsy and limited abilities in the right side of his body. Little did they know that 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.”