Budding mechanics have taken part in a hands-on workshop at a Swindon secondary school.

Lawn Manor Academy welcomed local mobile mechanic, Ruben Pal, for the workshop which saw the pupils learn about the different routes into the industry and roles available.

They also found out about the tools and techniques they would be using on a daily basis should they decide it is the career for them.

Mr Pal showed them different parts of a car’s engine and gave them the chance to get hands-on with how a car’s engine works.

Year 10 pupil Antonio, who is considering pursuing a career in the mechanical or automotive industry, attended the workshop, and said he "really enjoyed" it.

Year 10 pupil Antonio with Ruben PalYear 10 pupil Antonio with Ruben Pal (Image: Lawn Manor Academy) He added: "It was great to be able to try out what I’m interested in doing when I leave school, before committing to a course on it.

"After talking to Ruben I’ve started thinking about maybe completing an apprenticeship after I finish my GCSEs."

Mr Pal runs Minitehnicus Mobile Mechanic, a mobile car repair and service business in Swindon.

He said: "I think it’s good to know about a job before you start in your career path and have the knowledge of what you would be doing every day too.

"The pupils who took part in the workshop with me were very interested in careers as mechanics and were very keen to learn more about engines and repairs."

Assistant headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, Marek Koza, added: "We are very grateful that Ruben came into the school and gave up his time to speak to our pupils.

"Choosing your future career path can be difficult as there are so many options available and different routes to take.

"However, there’s no better way to really get an idea of what a job could be like than hearing from someone who’s already doing it and getting the chance to be hands-on too."

Mr Koza added: "At Lawn Manor Academy we have a busy timetable throughout the year that focuses on careers and giving our pupils an insight into the opportunities available and to show them that they can achieve more than they could imagine."

Lawn Manor Academy, it was announced earlier this month, is set to be knocked down and rebuilt.

While details are yet to be agreed, plans are expected to be drawn up and finalised in the next year to 18 months, with hopes the new school will open its doors in late 2027.

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