Tori-Leigh Adams Automotive Engineering
Tori - Leigh Adams wasn’t 100 percent sure which career path she wanted to take before applying to West Lothian College. She tapped into her love of stock car racing and decided to try and turn an interest into a career by applying for the VRQ1 Light Vehicle Maintenance course. Tori-Leigh explains:
“Before College I was home educated, so I was studying schools courses while still trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I chose the VRQ1 Light Vehicle Maintenance course as I am really interested in the motor industry as well as motor sports and I felt that this was the right place for me to figure out what I wanted to do. I chose West Lothian College as it was local to me and had the relevant courses for me to start with.”
Tori-Leigh was one of many students in 2019/20 to spend time working abroad as part of the Erasmus + project where students spend two weeks completing a work placement with a local organisation. During evening and weekends the students are also able to experience different cultures, with hosts organising many activities.
Tori – Leigh spent two weeks in Sweden and found the practical nature of the placement really enjoyable. “I loved the trip to Sweden it certainly was a highlight of the course along with the multiple industry related trips. Just being able to get in the workshop and be more hands on was a highlight in itself.”
Tori – Leigh who is 16, already has plans for the future and hopes to run her own business before too long.
“I plan to gain the qualifications I need to open up my own garage and MOT station hopefully by the time I am 18. It will be a female friendly garage and while of course it will be open to everyone and everyone is welcome, I want to create a garage where females can come and feel welcome and at ease with the services.”
Finally, Tori-Leigh offered the following advice to anyone thinking of studying:
“There really is a course for everyone even if you don’t know what you want to do, don’t be afraid to try something different. Make goals, big goals! It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you want to do something, just go and do it!”