2026 LSH Auto Australia Scholarship Program
United Kingdom
Application close date TBA
Name: Adriano Minna
LSH Auto Dealership: Mercedes-Benz Sydney
Program: 31 October - 10 November 2024
Objectives for attending/participating:
My main focus before beginning the program was to gain a new perspective. During my time in the industry, I believe I have learned best by drawing on the experience of my mentors and senior technicians, as well as absorbing different points of view. Although we all have the same objective in the workshop, there is a vast range of diverse procedures and techniques, which are implemented to achieve our goal of repairing and maintaining vehicles. By successfully being selected for this scholarship program, I knew I was presented with an undeniable opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and truly propel myself on the path to becoming a specialised Mercedes-Benz Technician.
Did you achieve your objectives?
Without a doubt. Through visiting the numerous LSH dealerships and conversing with the employees, I was able to gain a wholistic and thorough understanding of not only their aftersales department, but the structure of the business in totality. I especially enjoyed meeting the managers of each of the departments. Being able to hear about their journeys of success really resonated with my own aspirations, as well as their humble beginnings inspiring possibilities of progression through LSH and Mercedes-Benz. For example, hearing the story of James; Aftersales Manager of Mercedes-Benz Birmingham, it instilled belief that such a prestigious role is not out of reach even for an apprentice technician such as myself.
How will your participation benefit your apprenticeship and LSH Auto?
Through this scholarship I gained so much in such a short amount time. I was able to return to Sydney with a new perspective and a new outlook on my everyday work life as well as the industry as a whole. Seeing the magnitude of success of LSH and Mercedes-Benz in the UK makes me so proud to work for such a world-renowned company and brand. I was able to absorb countless advice and experiences of employees from all aspects of the company, enhancing my contribution to my dealership. The newfound opportunities for growth in LSH Auto only motivates me to strive to work hard and progress through the company, in turn encouraging long term retention of myself and other employees.
Would you change anything about the scholarship schedule?
Absolutely not. I thought it was well planned and the schedule flowed perfectly, providing us apprentices with a mix of learning and leisure.
My favourite photo of the trip. Chelsea vs Arsenal at Stamford Bridge Stadium. This photo makes fills me with an immense feeling of pride. Through a lot of hard work, perseverance and the generosity of LSH and WPC, I was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of watching my football club play live in a London derby. Without those three things I would never have had the opportunity to experience this so I am forever grateful to Mercedes-Benz, LSH, WPC and my managers at MB Sydney.
Brief synopsis of the schedule:
- Landed in Manchester (1st November). 3 free days in Manchester to explore and get to know the city. I took the opportunity to watch my favourite football club Chelsea FC play live against Manchester United at Old Trafford, as well as Liverpool vs Brighton at Anfield with Janine (WPC).
- Monday (4th November); visited Mercedes-Benz Stockport (largest Mercedes-Benz dealer in Europe!) and were given a tour of the dealership by Stefan the dealer principal. We were also fortunate to have dinner with Vaughan Blackman (MD LSH UK) and learn a bit about his role and his illustrious Mercedes-Benz background
- Tuesday (5th November); visited Tameside and Manchester colleges. Learned about the pathways and opportunities for aspiring automotive apprentices in the UK. Met some students and discussed the differences and similarities of becoming a qualified light vehicle technician. In the night we were accompanied by our chaperones Beck and Rachel (HR LSH UK) to a bonfire night, a long lasting tradition in English culture.
- Wednesday (6th November); We were privileged enough to meet some well-rounded technicians at the Stockport dealership. Also met with Kath (Aftersales Manager LSH UK) and got an overview of her journey up until her current role, as well as providing us with some fantastic advice.
- Thursday (7th November); Visited Mercedes-Benz Birmingham. Met James (Aftersales Manager) and discussed his story and learned about how the industry is evolving and opportunities through LSH. Also were able to meet several technicians. Then visited Mercedes-Benz Solihull; tour of dealership and workshop. A smaller tight knit workshop and team.
- Friday (8th November); Mercedes-Benz World visit in Brooklands. We were fortunate enough to be given a private tour of the museum and an extensive overview of the rich history of Mercedes-Benz. We then took to the racetrack, each being able to drive an AMG, putting the car through its paces on a hot lap and skid pan. We then hit the off-road course with a G Wagon, learning all about the model’s highly impressive off-road capabilities.
- Saturday (9th November); free day in London. Our last day of the trip was an opportunity to explore the capital of England. I ventured to the city to visit the city’s most iconic attractions.
Personal Highlights:
I enjoyed every minute of the trip and was so incredibly grateful to be presented with such an unimaginable opportunity. Some of my personal highlights would have to be working in the Stockport dealership in Manchester. Being able to experience working in another country across the world is an opportunity that doesn’t come around everyday, and I definitely gained a lot watching along side and even just chatting to the technicians and workshop supervisors. Another highlight is most definitely the visit to Mercedes-Benz world. Not only did I have a lot of fun, I learned a lot about the different models and their capabilities on and off-road. An experience I will never forget and knowledge I will use in my everyday work life.
