An Oldham mechanic has set up a company to train women and young people in car maintenance skills, with the aim of helping to build confidence, independence, and trainees’ pathways into further education or employment.
The company, Jacksons MW Academy CIC, was launched last year by Rubena Begum, aged 30, who previously ran her own BMW repair shop for seven years. Ms Begum recently won Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Oldham Business Awards.
Her efforts respond to the motor industry facing a predicted shortfall of 160,000 mechanics and a historically low presence of female workers. She recognised an urgent need for trained mechanics, especially with the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Ms Begum detailed her early educational challenges, stating: “Like many mechanics, I wanted to learn things by being hands-on and not by reading, and so I struggled at school. I was sent to a pupil referral unit. Being moved there gave me a chance to reset, but it also made me feel labelled, like my path was already decided.”
After finding her passion for the industry, she sought to inspire others: “Once I started learning, I fell in love with the work and wanted other women and young people to feel the same confidence that comes from fixing something yourself.”
She summarised the academy’s mission: “Our vision is simple but powerful: to break barriers in a male-dominated industry and empower women and young people with skills for life. By teaching how to check oil, change tyres, replace wipers, and carry out safety checks, we’re not just teaching about cars — we’re building confidence, independence, and pathways into further training or employment.”
Source: The Oldham Times