Stephen Tolland
Stephen Tolland
Stephen Tolland is a Ford-trained specialist technician at our Parkhall Ford branch. He's been with the company for a little over seven years.
What is your work background?
I left school at 16 years old for a work scheme that lasted six months in a tyre-fitting centre, to then go on to work in a retail store for a few months while I kept pursuing a career in the motor industry.
What made you want to work at Arnold Clark over any other company?
Arnold Clark provided the best opportunity for a career in the motor trade.
Have you always wanted to work with cars?
I have always had a technical mind and wanted to know how things worked and operated. As a kid I would strip down toys etc. to see how they were made and worked. So as a child I was always destined to go into a mechanical trade.
Is there a particular time or event in your career that you are most proud of?
I would say completing my modern apprenticeship and being offered a full-time technician role with the company.
Tell us about your training…
I completed levels 2 and 3 City and Guilds Light Vehicle Maintenance. I also progressed on to further my knowledge on Ford vehicles from service technician level to Ford technician level, then on to become a Ford specialist technician. The best part of my training was completing my Ford specialist level due to the long hours in training and studying at home. It was all worth it in the end.
What would you say are the necessary skills to become a technician?
Good workmanship, a technical mind (depending on how far you wish to progress as a technician). A good attitude towards your work, and most of all, banter!
What does a typical day at work look like to you?
I start with finding out my workload for the day (general electrical and diagnostic fault-finding work). Then go on to contact Ford to find out which general wiring diagrams and procedures I may need. I then relay with my workshop controller or front desk team to see if they need assistance with speaking to customers with faults with their vehicles and carry out any road tests that are needed. I then assist any other technicians needing help.
What is the best part of your working day?
Finding faults with vehicles. Repairing them to then get the customers back on the road happily.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy my golf. I currently play at the Carrick Golf Club on Loch Lomond, although I've not had much golf in the last few weeks due to recently just getting married in April and buying my first family home in September. I also enjoy going to the gym in my free time.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
I'm currently starting my Level 3 in Management to progress through Arnold Clark, I hope to see myself in a management position, which has always been the goal.
Interested in a technician vacancy at Arnold Clark? We're recruiting throughout the UK.
