Dream job for Preston automotive apprentice

A former Our Lady’s Catholic High School pupil has become the first Porsche Preston apprentice.

17-year-old Paddy O’Flaherty from Ashton near Preston has joined Porsche Preston on Watery Lane as the centre’s first apprentice technician.

In addition to on the job training alongside approved Porsche technicians, Paddy will visit the Porsche vocational training centre in Shrewsbury for two weeks in every six. The course will take three years to complete in total; culminating in an ‘Automotive Retail Standard - Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician’ qualification.

Paddy said: “This is a great opportunity for me. Like everyone else in Preston, I watched the centre being built last year. It was exciting to see it take shape. Back then, I had no idea that this might be where I’d start work.

“I hope that one day my course will help me achieve a full-time role as a technician. I’ve already learned a lot. And every day I’m working with some of the most exciting cars on the planet.”

Away from work, Paddy is learning to drive; he’s a big Top Gear fan and plays football for Cadley FC.

Porsche Centre Preston was officially opened in June by Porsche Cars GB managing director Marcus Eckermann in front of more than 500 guests.