Podium finish for Haydon after automotive competition win

Talented young mechanic Haydon Mawson is celebrating a podium finish after coming first in the North East Regional Automotive Interskills competition held at East Durham College.

Competing against motor vehicle students from colleges across the region, the 17-year-old was assessed on a range of tasks including finding a leak on a brake pipe and tracking alignment of the steering geometry.

Haydon, a Level 2 Maintenance & Repair student at Bishop Auckland College, also had to check and replace brake pads and brake discs, use a dial gauge, locate faulty suspension, and strip and rebuild a suspension strut.

He was awarded top spot by judges Mike Williamson, VW UK Aftersales Regional Manager, Mike Nightingale, City and Guilds Industry Manager - Automotive, Rail, Marine and Logistics, and East Durham College Motor Vehicle lecturer Andy Blyth.

Haydon pictured with East Durham College Motor Vehicle lecturer Andy Blyth.

The former Greenfield Community College student is employed by Autosafe in Newton Aycliffe three days per week and hopes to start an apprenticeship there later this year after completing his Level 2 course.

Haydon, from Shildon, said: “I was so pleased to be selected by the college - it was my first time in a competition. It was great to win as the standard on the day was high; my experience of working in a garage definitely helped.”

Impressed employer Steve Finley said: “He’s an absolute superstar and not only on the repair side. He’s the kind of lad that will be teaching me in a few years!”

Haydon with employer Steve Finley.

Michelle Andelin, Head of School for Construction, Motor Vehicle, Employability Skills and Creative Industries at Bishop Auckland College, added: “This is a great achievement for Haydon and we are very proud of him. He has an excellent work ethic and talent to match, so has a great future ahead.”

Haydon will attend a presentation event at East Durham College later this year.