An autistic North-east young adult, who first discovered his passion for mechanics while a student at Camphill School Aberdeen, has taken his first foray into the workplace with an apprenticeship with John Clark Motor Group.
Gregor Lovie, who recently turned 20, spent eight years as a day service student at the charity’s Camphill Estate, near Milltimber, where he was able to spend time taking part in hands-on workshops such as bike repairs and woodwork.
Diagnosed with high-functioning autism aged eight, Gregor found life in mainstream education a challenge and his parents took the decision to apply to transition him to Camphill School Aberdeen when he was 10 years old.
Kevin Lovie, Gregor’s dad, explained: “As Gregor began to move up through primary school, he started to find it more and more difficult and was becoming unhappy in that environment.
"It became clear that the school wasn’t equipped to support him in the way he needed. That’s when we began exploring what other options were available for Gregor and we were introduced to Camphill School Aberdeen by the Aberdeenshire Educational Psychology Department.”
Camphill School Aberdeen has supported families in the North-east for over 80 years. The charity provides children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs with a mixture of day and residential services that integrate education and care.
Kevin shared that he and his wife Audra knew from their first family meeting at Camphill School Aberdeen that “it was the right place for Gregor” and that he had a “good feeling” that staff would be able to provide their son with the right support.
Gregor first began attending the school as a day pupil in August 2015 aged 10. Although it was not the easiest of transitions, he soon found his feet and settled into the community.
The charity’s integrated approach to care combines education, a range of vocational workshops, therapies, leisure and recreational facilities, and on-site medical care. The vocational workshops form a large part of this approach.
There are 15 workshops available, which cover a range of activities and heritage skills in areas such as craft, land, and social enterprise. The purpose of the workshops is to provide young people with meaningful work experience, preparing them for life beyond Camphill School Aberdeen.
It was in these workshops that Gregor really thrived. Kevin expressed that the bike and wood workshops were “definitely” Gregor’s favourites and that his “interest in mechanics became clear”.
Gregor working on a car in the Audi Aberdeen workshop.
The young people participate in various workshops to discover their passions. The workshop leaders then individually tailor the programme based on the young people’s interests and abilities, helping the young people reach their full potential.
Jossi Seitz, bike workshop leader, said: “In the bike workshop students learn how to repair all aspects of the bikes, including fixing punctures and gears. I noticed early on that Gregor had a real interest in this practical work.
“Gregor was a polite, hardworking member of our community who always came into the workshop with a smile on his face and ready to learn, with many of his peers looking up to him.”
As well as his involvement in the workshops, Gregor sat four National 5 exams, achieving all 'A’s, and he also completed his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award during his time at Camphill School Aberdeen.
Gregor said: “Although looking back I remember that I found the transition hard and didn’t fully understand why I was being moved to a different school, I really enjoyed the varied days we had at Camphill School Aberdeen.
"I especially enjoyed the workshops and outdoor activities across the estates and, as I get older, I appreciate more how many practical life skills I have learned.”
Kevin added: “Our whole family are extremely proud of Gregor and what he has achieved. There was a time when it just didn’t seem possible.”
Since leaving Camphill School Aberdeen last year, Gregor completed a course in light vehicle maintenance at NESCOL, helping him to secure his apprenticeship with The John Clark Motor Group.
Starting his apprenticeship earlier this year, Gregor works at the Audi garage in Aberdeen where he is learning all about vehicle maintenance and industry best practice.
“Without a doubt, the workshops provided at Camphill School Aberdeen have helped Gregor with his apprenticeship,” said Kevin. “Working with his hands and other people, listening to the workshop leaders, and being careful with the equipment are all transferrable skills that have helped him massively.”
Colin McAllister, group training and development manager at John Clark Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to have Gregor as part of our apprenticeship programme.
"It is always a pleasure to have young people join us with a real passion for vehicle mechanics and technology. Together with our partner Bosch, we work hard to offer an inclusive programme for our young learners and a lifelong career path for them to thrive in our business.
"Gregor is fitting in well with the team and the other apprentices on the programme. Clearly the school has given him a good leg up on his career ladder.”
Kevin concluded: “With the support of Camphill School Aberdeen, Gregor has achieved more than whatever seemed possible.
“There are too many people to name them all individually but every one of them contributed to Gregor’s journey at Camphill School Aberdeen and with the help from all of the staff and his peers, he has become more confident, content with his life, and less stressed.
“He’s now entered the world of work with a clear idea of what he’s passionate about, improved life skills and increased maturity.
“For the family, it was a relief knowing Gregor was somewhere that could help him, and most importantly, where he was safe and included. Camphill School Aberdeen transformed all of our lives in the most positive way.”