UK Skills / Case Studies

Simon Noble - Download Case Study

Hometown: Billingham

Competition: WorldSkills 2007, Japan
Skill: Autobody Repair 
Result: Bronze
Team UK 2007 website:  http://team2007.worldskillsteamuk.org/  

Qualifications:
* 8 GSCE’s
* NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in Vehicle and Body Repair (Thatcham College)
* ATA Accredited Technician 

Simon Noble has loved cars ever since he was a young child, watching his dad fixing up old motors. For him, going into the automotive industry was what he’s always wanted to do. Little did he know though that it would lead him into being one of the youngest members of the 2007 UK WorldSkills team headed to Japan, taking part in the Autobody Repair competition and then bringing home the bronze medal.

Why does Simon love Autobody repair so much?
Getting directly involved in how a vehicle looks is what fascinates Simon. “What I love is the challenge of repairing badly damaged vehicles and restoring them to a high standard. In fact the vehicles I repair are often in a better state when I’ve finished with them, than they were before they were damaged!”

“I get great job satisfaction out of what I do. For some people a damaged car is like a broken toy and when I fix it and make it look good again they are so pleased.”

So how did Simon get into competing?
It was actually Simon’s employers that started his competitive career. They encouraged him to enter his first competition and from there Simon was swiftly entered into regional and national competitions – and was the winner of both the 2005 and 2006 UK national finals. In March 2007, after an intensive three day qualifying competition, Simon was told that he’d won a place on the UK WorldSkills team.

Was getting the time to train easy?
Well, a good boss certainly makes a difference. “It’s helped me enormously that my bosses were so encouraging. I was able to take time away from work to train and then I got all the in-house training that they could give me while I was at work.” Simon’s training programme was hard and even involved a trip to Ireland to compete in their national finals, but it was also rewarding.

“The training process is essential, it’s almost a full time job in itself, but so worth it. I knew that I had to be on top form to be able to do well and reach a medal standard in Japan.”

What was competing in WorldSkills like?
Simon is quick to say that it was the most stressful four days of his life, trying to focus and remember all his training and knowing that any mistake could cost him points. But, he just as quickly points out, that it was also the best four days of his life. “Japan is a beautiful place with an amazing culture, somewhere I never dreamt my job would take me, but there I was competing against the best in the World.”

And the result?
Well Simon’s training certainly paid off for him. With his concentration never faltering, Simon stormed the competition and won the bronze medal. A result which was met by applause from the whole team.
“Winning the bronze was an amazing feeling. I had no idea that I was even close to getting a medal position so when they read out my name I was so shocked. It was brilliant. I’ll never forget standing on the stage with the Union Jack draped over my shoulders, receiving my medal. How can you beat that?”

So was it good to get home?
For Simon, seeing his family and friends again was great but he also felt sad that he was leaving behind his WorldSkills family. “Being part of a team of 22 was just like being part of a big family. They were all really nice people. We got on so well together and got through the competition by supporting and being there for each other. I’ve made some very close and I hope lifelong friendships from being in the team.”

So would Simon recommend competing?
“Definitely. You just don’t get the opportunity to do something like this every day of the week. Being part of WorldSkills allows you to gain so much in such a short time. You have to do it.”

And has anything changed for Simon since his return from Japan?
He certainly thinks so. “Because of all my training I definitely work to a much higher standard and at a better pace than I did twelve months ago. I’m also much more confident than I was. I’m much happier speaking to superiors and things don’t faze me as much as they used to. WorldSkills has taught me how to do things like time manage and prioritise, which means that I stay on top of things and in control, which is a great feeling.”

And with this new found enthusiasm for a job that he has always loved, Simon is sure to go far.