Name: Luke Perry
Job Title: Classic Technician
Time with Porsche Swindon: 6 ½ years
What is your favourite thing about being a Technician at Porsche?
The passion around the Porsche brand through colleagues and customers is really nothing I have experienced elsewhere, and the variety of cars you get to work on, including the different model variants and ages.
What was the most interesting project you have worked on?
Can I pick two? My favourite project I personally undertook was restoring an engine on a 1989 930 LE; it was the first Classic engine I had built Pre-2000, so this was a great learning opportunity for me.
The second best was building the Restoracing Boxster. For me, it was great because I have previous experience on rally cars and drift cars, so I felt I could really help the team with my knowledge and ideas. This was a team effort between a few Technicians and was a great project to be a part of.
What does an average day look like as a Technician at Porsche Centre Swindon?
Tasks that I do every day are inspections, tyre and brake measurements, diagnostic work, services, tyres and fault rectification. Pretty much anything on any car. No two days are the same.
One day I can be working on a Taycan or an in-depth modern electrical job, and some days doing a service and the odd repair.On other days I could be stripping, restoring and revitalising a 356 or classic 911 that needs a lot of TLC.
Restorations only come up now and then, but we have in the past been fortunate to have quite a lot of restoration projects. For me, restorations are the best jobs because you know you are giving that car a new lease of life, enabling it to continue on the roads for another 50 years or more. It also gives you a chance to engage with the customer in-depth and understand the work in which they require to get the car exactly how they want it. When you get a job like this, you get a real sense of passion from the customer and Technician.
What is the next step in your career?
The next step for me is Silver (senior) Technician status. I would also love to go back to Germany to complete my Classic Training.
What is Porsche training like?
Very good. The trainers have so much knowledge and can show us great tips when we are training. Porsche training can be very intense at times, as you require a lot of knowledge to be the best we can be.
Which car would you love to work on in the future?
I have a strong interest in Lamborghini, so I would love to have an opportunity to work on one in future. And as for Porsche, I would like to get involved with a Carrera GT or 918 Spyder.
What would you say to someone who is looking to get into a career as a Technician?
If you love technology and cars then it’s a great career. You need to always keep up-to-date with modern technology and also retain your knowledge of older vehicles. The job is diverse and challenging, but rewarding too. No two days are the same. I feel very proud to be part of one of four Official Classic Porsche Centres in the country, and to add to that, being one of the two Classic Technicians in the Centre really is a privilege.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Technician or an Apprentice with Dick Lovett, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us or visit our Careers page today to view our current opportunities.
