As we celebrate 15 years in the industry, our contractor case studies spotlight technicians who have been with Autotech Recruit for over a decade. Their experiences show the long term value of contracting, from continuous learning to reliable, fulfilling work.
Tomasz – A Decade of Adapting, Learning and Leading Through Change
When Tomasz first received a call from Autotech Recruit back in 2011, he wasn’t looking for a new opportunity. With a secure role and no plans to move, the timing wasn’t right. But a year later, after a serious motorcycle accident left him recovering at home for months, he remembered the conversation. Curious about a different way of working and ready for a fresh start, Tomasz reached out. Within minutes, Autotech Recruit called him back – and in September 2012, he began his first contract.
At a time when the concept of temporary MOT testers and technicians was still new to the industry, the appeal for Tomasz lay in variety and independence: “I thought it would be interesting to work in different places, not being chained to one ramp permanently,” he explains. “It felt like a new beginning.”
The early years involved long-distance travel and hotel stays, but the trade-off was worthwhile. As Autotech Recruit grew its network, Tomasz’s placements became closer to home, supporting a much better work/life balance. Over the years he has worked with a wide range of dealerships and workshops, gaining experience with continually evolving vehicle technology: “In this industry, there is always something new to discover,” he says. “Working in different places gives me the opportunity to learn from skilled technicians with expertise in specific makes and models.”
He has observed the industry shift dramatically over the past decade: more advanced electronics, declining mechanical durability, better workshop facilities and, crucially, a very different attitude toward temporary staff. What began as short-term holiday or sickness cover has expanded into longer-term support for skills gaps and workshop capacity.
Tomasz has maintained consistent work throughout his time with Autotech Recruit and believes the contractor model has helped him progress professionally: “Of course, my career has progressed. I’ve worked with so many teams and learned so much.”
Simon – From Searching for a Fresh Start to Finding a Long-Term Home
When Simon contacted Autotech Recruit in 2013, he was at a career crossroads. Having been out of work, he was looking for something different – a role that offered variety as well as stability. He phoned Autotech Recruit on a Wednesday and by the following Monday he was already on his first assignment. He has rarely been without work since.
Simon began his automotive career as an apprentice at 22, and over the years his time as a contractor has allowed him to apply and expand his skills across a wide range of workshop environments. With Autotech Recruit, he says he has never felt like “just agency labour”. Instead, he values the sense of belonging and shared standards: “I feel part of a team, not an agency,” he explains. He takes great pride in the quality of his work and the reputation he helps uphold.
Although Simon briefly stepped away in 2017 following a period of illness, he quickly found that he missed the contractor lifestyle – the independence, the variety, and the opportunities to grow. He returned to Autotech Recruit and has stayed ever since, often on long-term placements lasting up to two years.
Training and development have played a big role in Simon’s journey. Autotech Recruit regularly offers him opportunities to upskill, helping him stay confident and current in an industry undergoing rapid technological change.
Having worked alongside contractors from other agencies, Simon has seen first-hand the difference that consistent standards and strong support can make. For him, contracting with Autotech Recruit has provided a career pathway rather than a stopgap: “I’ve never been out of work, and I’ve always been supported to deliver my best,” he says.
Steven – Recovery, Flexibility and a Career Defined by Support
When Steven first joined Autotech Recruit in 2014, he was navigating a difficult period. Recovering from a motorcycle accident that left him temporarily limited in the types of physical tasks he could undertake, he still wanted to keep working, but needed assignments that supported, rather than hindered, his recovery. Thanks to Autotech Recruit’s detailed understanding of workshop roles and the physical demands involved, consultants were able to clearly communicate Steven’s temporary restrictions to clients and place him in roles that were both suitable and sustainable. As a result, his recovery never came at the cost of his livelihood.
“Contracting gave me the flexibility to choose the tasks and hours that worked for me,” Steven explains. “Autotech Recruit were incredibly supportive during my recovery, finding light work so I was never without income.” That early experience forged a lasting partnership. Aside from a short break to pursue his passion for training motorcycle riders, Steven has remained with Autotech Recruit ever since.
For Steven, the benefits of contracting extend far beyond flexibility. He values the variety of environments he has worked in, from BMW and VAG to Renault and Vauxhall. “I’ve picked up experience I would never have gained staying in one place,” he says. Changing contracts has always been straightforward: “I always know ahead of time what’s available, so I can plan my workload without any surprises, and importantly, nobody gets let down.”
Training and development have also played a central role in Steven’s journey. Through Autotech Recruit he has accessed free online learning, received vouchers for additional training, and continued to build the skills needed in an increasingly complex industry.
His commitment to the contractor community led him to apply to become one of Autotech Recruit’s first Ambassadors – a programme launched to give its nationwide contractor network a stronger voice and a structured platform for representation. During his year long tenure as an Ambassador, Steven took the responsibility seriously, offering guidance to new candidates, joining welcome calls, and attending company events. “It was a privilege to be an Ambassador,” he says. “I was keen to encourage open conversation across the contractor network and help shape the future of the business.”