Student Spotlight - Rebecca Bond
In 2020, there were 3.04 million vehicles licensed for use on the roads in Scotland. 🚗 With this record high, lots of job opportunities are available to keep these vehicles road worthy. At UHI Perth, we offer a range of courses aimed at developing core practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and employability skills for those wishing to embark on a career in the motor vehicle industry. Courses are grouped into two distinct areas: Automotive Mechanical and Automotive Body and Painting, both of which can be followed on a full-time programme or through an employer sponsored apprenticeship scheme.
After always having a keen interest in cars, Rebecca decided to come to UHI Perth to expand her knowledge and carve out a career in this industry.
What is your name, and where are you from?
I’m Rebecca Bond and I was born here in Perth, 29 years ago!
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m studying vehicle repair at UHI Perth. Last year I completed a Level 6 diploma in Paint Principles and this year I hope to achieve the same level in Body Principles – which should significantly open up career opportunities.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I don’t think I can remember exactly! I’ve known about the college for so many years, and it’s been wonderful to see it develop into UHI Perth.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I’ve spent many years doing part time jobs with horses and in various other areas.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I’ve always had a keen interest in cars, and my partner encouraged me to contact the Motor Vehicle department at UHI Perth. I then had the choice of whether to go down the route of bodywork and accident repair, or mechanical. It was a tough decision, but I went for the accident repair side.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
It provides an engaging challenge without being overwhelming. We spend the majority of our college time in the workshops which is great for getting hands on experience, but it also means when you go over theory work you are already familiar with what you read, and it makes it so much easier to learn!
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Probably the first time I prepared and painted a door from one of the staff’s cars. It was nerve wracking initially, but I was absolutely delighted when I’d finished.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I think the vast and varied amount of practical work we do in the body/workshops gives us such a great platform to take our first steps into the motor industry. We’ve had the opportunity to work on many of the staff cars that need a bit of body or paint work, so we won’t be facing the scary experience of repairing real things for the first time when we start working in the industry.
I’ve also met quite a few students who have already had a fair bit of experience in a variety of different motor related fields. This shows that the courses are well worth taking and can even give people with experience some additional knowledge and skills!
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
The support from all the lecturers has been brilliant. They are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and motivating. They praise you if you do something well and are always ready to provide help if there’s something you may be struggling with. We get plenty of time to try things and practise techniques, so we feel comfortable as we progress to working on cars and trickier things.
You have recently been elected as Depute President of Activities and Welfare at UHI Perth. Can you tell us why you decided to apply for the role?
I was delighted to be elected as Depute President of Activities and Welfare here at UHI Perth. It was a hard-fought campaign and I’m determined to do everything I can to make the student’s experience at UHI Perth as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible! It’s been a very busy first month or so – lots of it spent getting to know the staff and management teams. Freshers was a great success with lots of students enjoying the ‘give it a go’ sports sessions we organised. Your Students’ Association team at Perth is working hard to get lots of fun events and groups set up.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I’ve always enjoyed taking a trip down to the Webster building – it’s a great space for students and has the lovely Wellness Garden beside it if you would rather sit outside. This spot is neighboured by the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, which has excellent gym facilities and a massive sports hall – it’s worth checking out if you are a student.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
It’s been a blast! I think signing off my final piece of portfolio work last year was a highlight. Not because I wanted the course to finish, but because it was great to look back over all things I’d accomplished!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Probably too many! A large chunk of my time is taken up by my two horses Billy and Feyan, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been in the Perthshire lady’s rugby team for just over two years now – so I go to any training sessions and matches I can fit in. I’ve also started playing pickleball when I can.
What are your future career plans?
The dream is for my partner and I to own a house with enough space to have my own car workshop, but I know it’ll be a while before I’m at that stage. So, I want to spend a bit of time working for a body shop and gaining the experience and confidence I’ll need to start up my own business. As well as being the Sports Development Coordinator for Your Students’ Association, my partner is studying a business degree with the Open University, so she can handle the business side of things!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
If you are undecided about whether to apply, just go for it! There is so much support available throughout UHI Perth that can help you with almost any worry or concern you may have. As part of Your Students’ Association, I can confidently say that we will do everything we can to make your experience at the college as fun as possible.
