Motor Vehicle Apprentice Gets World Rally Experience

Albert Webdale, one of our Motor Vehicle apprentices, has had a dream week of work experience at the final round of the World Rally Championship in Wales last weekend. Sixteen-year-old Albert from Cliburn is completing a motor vehicle Fast Fit Apprenticeship with us and was fortunate to be offered the opportunity by Carlisle-based tyre manufacturer DMACK Tyres.

Albert got the enviable experience when DMACK offered the placement to System Training. Our motor vehicle apprentices are fully trained in changing tyres and brakes but the opportunity to work on a demanding round of the world championship was a massive challenge.

DMACK is one of only two tyre manufacturers authorised to supply the world’s best drivers with specialist rally tyres and Albert helped the company fit over 400 chunky, gravel tyres during the rally week.

As part of the team based at the rally’s Service Park at the Royal Welsh Showground in mid-Wales, Albert got up close and personal with many of the top teams and drivers – gaining a real behind-the-scenes insight into how the sport works.

His job was vital to the success of DMACK’s forest rally tyres with the wet, muddy roads demanding ultra-high levels of traction and grip. Flying the flag for DMACK was Estonian driver Ott Tanak who powered one of M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta WRC cars to sixth overall on the tyres that Albert helped put together.

Now with some unique experience under his belt, Albert is back here at System Training and is hoping to finish off his apprenticeship programme before finding a job in the motor industry.

Dick Cormack, DMACK Tyres Motorsport Director, said: “It’s great that we can help give young people like Albert some experience and a head start to secure a job in the motor industry. World rallies are hard work, with long hours, but he’s learnt some fantastic skills that will help him in the future. There are not many young people that can say they’ve fitted rally tyres for the world’s top drivers.”

Albert Webdale said: “I had a great time during the rally week and the experience was very helpful and beneficial. It’s not every day you get a chance to be part of a team on the world rally championship so I made sure I asked lots of questions and learnt as much as I could. The good thing about doing an apprenticeship with System Training is that they have lots of links to employers so we get proper practical training and experience.”