New MOT tester is a 'breath of fresh air'

FULLY qualified . . . Jody Hopwood

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AFTER almost 20 years working in the car mechanic industry, Jody Hopwood has finally achieved her dream of becoming an MOT tester.

And Jody is one of a rare breed of women in the industry, with only a few dozen having taken and passed the intense exams and practicals needed to become qualified.

Since passing the qualification with flying colours in May, Jody (37) has found her diary booked solid with requests for her services as a locum MOT tester.

Jody said: "I started working in a garage in Diggle in 1997, mainly doing the paperwork and administrative tasks but I found myself being drawn to the floor where the greasy, dirty work was being done.

"I've always loved cars and so I wanted to get involved and learn more about them.

"Becoming an MOT tester was something I'd always wanted to do, but it never seemed to happen.

"When I heard that the requirements for becoming qualified were due to change, putting it outside my reach, I knew it was now or never."

Jody mentioned her dream to Andrew Hodgkiss, of Woodend MOT Centre in Springhead, and he agreed to help train her for the exams and prepare her for the job.

"Andy was great, he taught me what I needed to know and helped me revise," Jody said.

"It was a lot of hard work but I couldn't have done it without him and the support he gave me.

"I really can't thank him enough."

Jody now splits her time between Andrew's garage and Rosemount MOT Centre in Hyde, however, her qualification gives her the flexibility to work in any garage.

She added that any apprehension she had about being subjected to sexist comments in her new role quickly faded away, with both men and women praising her for her work.

Jody said: "I thought I might get one or two remarks about being a female MOT tester, but so far its been overwhelmingly positive.

"I think women feel more comfortable talking to me about their cars than they may have done with a man.

"I've received comments that I'm more approachable which is nice to hear.

"But even some of the men I've dealt with have said they've been more comfortable with me because I've been organised and explained things clearly.

Hours

"I'd definitely encourage any girls who like cars to consider getting into the industry and not be put off thinking it's a "man's world".

"As long as you don't mind hard work, long hours and getting a bit dirty it's a great job."

Andy added that he was proud of Jody's accomplishments and her work at the business.

He said: "I've sent blokes for the MOT exams in the past and they've failed so for Jody to come back with such brilliant results is an achievement for her.

"She's been a breath of fresh air in the centre."