Member Article

Art exhibition set to star Volkswagen technician

An apprentice motor technician is set to appear in a Nottingham photographic exhibition next year.

Hannah Mills, from Volkswagen Van Centre Nottingham, will feature in a collection of portraits by photographer, Rose Teanby, depicting women in primarily male dominated careers, demonstrating how gender is no barrier to choosing a profession.

The exhibition, titled ‘Women in a man’s world’, was commissioned by the Nottingham Women’s Centre in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2016. It aims to inspire women by showcasing a selection of professionals who have chosen a traditionally male career option.

The permanent exhibition, which will be unveiled in March 2016, will be displayed at the Nottingham Women’s Centre.

The photographer felt Hannah, who joined the van centres’ Derby business in 2013 as an apprentice technician, embodied the essence of the exhibition.

Hannah’s dream job is to become a qualified technician and this ambition was instantly evident when Rose met her. She had experienced difficulties in securing her job until she met the Volkswagen Imperial Commercials team in Derby, which is part of the Nottingham business, and she is delighted with how her career is progressing.

Rose said: “This has been an interesting project. My challenge was to choose 24 different professions and create portraits which were instantly recognisable as the trades being represented. My intention was to have no reliance whatsoever on text within the image, it may sound easy but was incredibly challenging with certain professions.

“I am delighted with the results and grateful to the Nottingham and Derby businesses for their support.”

Hannah said: “It was quite a surprise to be approached but I love my job so I was very proud to get the chance to be part of this exhibition.”

Hannah joined the Volkswagen Van Centre on a three-year apprenticeship with the Volkswagen Training Academy and is expected to graduate in 2016.

Elliot Austin, aftersales manager at Volkswagen Van Centre Nottingham and Imperial Commercials Derby, added: “Hannah is two-thirds of her way through her apprenticeship and on track to pass with flying colours.

“Our two sites being geographically quite close has enabled Hannah to advance her skills by working at both our Derby and Nottingham centres.

“It’s a wonderful legacy for Hannah that she will feature in a permanent exhibition in the city.”

For more details about the apprenticeship scheme at Volkswagen Van Centre Nottingham and Imperial Commercials Derby please contact Elliott Austin, service Manager on 01332 902 429 or visit www.imperialcommercials.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrew McLagan .