Andrew Zelaya, from Edinburgh, has always had an interest in Motorcycles but no real knowledge of them. After deciding to pursue a career in Motorcycle Technology a search of the Internet gave Andrew the information he needed to find a course in Motorcycle maintenance. The nearest course to his Edinburgh home, that he could find on-line at the time, was here at Wirral Met.
Andrew is pictured at the Prince Michael Convention Centre with Dawn Pierce (left) and Nicola Cash (right).
Travelling back and forth between Edinburgh and Birkenhead, on a weekly basis for 2 days a week for 2 years, was no deterrent to Andrew, his dedication to his course has led him to an exciting new career, with Harley Davidson in Edinburgh and to a prestigious award from the Institute of Motor Industries (IMI), for ‘Outstanding Technical Student’ which was presented to him by HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO FIMI, Patron of IMI. Andrew was also awarded Wirral Metropolitan College ‘Motorcycle Student of the Year 2008’.
Andrew was one of the first Wirral Met candidates to achieve an IMI qualification in Key Skills, he was also the first learner to pass his Communication on-line test with a 98% pass rate. Andrew also represented the college at the NEC Motorcycle Trade Expo in Birmingham, promoting the motorcycle course and the Automotive Technician Accreditation scheme.
Andrew had planned to work in the Motor Industry after completing his course, however he took his CV to Harley Davidson and was delighted to be offered a job as a Maintenance Technician. Even though they weren’t recruiting at the time Andrew was in right place at the right time, and was offered a job. Kirk Hale, Branch Manager of Harley Davidson, Edinburgh, said “Andrew has been working with us on a part-time basis since the beginning of 2008. In this time he has shown both great enthusiasm and ability to work as part of what is a highly experienced team here at Edinburgh Harley-Davidson. Andrew has also shown a fine ability in being able to communicate and assist customers in the showroom and on our service desk, both his manner and knowledge even at this early stage in his time with us have been very impressive”.
Andrew stated ‘Id like to give thanks to my tutors Nicky Cash and Dawn Pierce for their support, and especially to Eric Edwards who took me from knowing nothing, to where I am today. It’s a debt I hope to repay one day. I must also give special thanks to my family whose support financially allowed me to achieve my goals, and my Mum in particular, who is always there to give me a well placed kick if I go off track. Final thanks go to the Wharton family who took me into their home and kept me fed for my time in Birkenhead. Friends like them are irreplaceable.’
The College warmly congratulates Andrew on his achievements, his tutors, Eric Edwards, Nicky Cash and Dawn Pierce are all delighted with his progress and wish him well in his future career. Andrew has truly been an asset to the College and are pleased that Andrew has found a new career.
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