MITO Apprentices Get Hands-On Experience at the Daybreaker Rally
Earlier this month, two MITO apprentices, Scott Angus and Hannah Bashford, had the exciting opportunity to join the service crews of MITO Ambassadors and rally drivers, Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour, at the Daybreaker Rally.
For one day, they stepped out of their typical workshop environments and into the fast-paced world of rally car servicing, working alongside a professional rally team. Their day was filled with high-pressure situations, learning new skills, and putting their apprenticeship training to the test.
“It's such a cool opportunity for apprentices to come along and see motorsport firsthand,” says Emma. “It's a huge team effort in motorsport. We have a huge crew behind us, so for the apprentices to come along and experience that is super cool.”
Both apprentices quickly realised that working in a rally environment was a whole new experience. “It’s definitely more hectic,” said Scott, comparing it to working in a workshop. “Everything’s done at top speed, and you have to check over stuff we’ve never seen before.”
Throughout the day, the apprentices were tasked with crucial responsibilities during the service stops such as jacking up the vehicles, checking bolts, cleaning mud guards, and ensuring everything was in place before the car hit the next stage. While Scott’s corner only had minor issues to deal with—like a loose mud flap—he noted that the experience gave him insight into how modifications work on rally cars.
Both apprentices agreed that the experience offered them valuable lessons. For Hannah, the most rewarding part was finishing the day without any issues. “Being able to pack up and move to the next stage without problems—that was great,” she said. Scott appreciated learning how to assess the wear and tear on rally vehicles quickly. “You need to know what to feel for when something’s a bit loose, like a wheel,” he explained.
“Everyone in life deserves opportunities,” explains Hayden. “It’s the same for me as a driver—I had a lot of opportunities, people helped me. Our team should do the same in terms of giving apprentices those chances that they can take into the next step of their career.”
MITO is proud to partner with Hayden and Emma and give our apprentices a unique look into the world of motorsport and a chance to sharpen their skills under pressure. Experiences like these not only boost confidence but also provide MITO apprentices with memorable, real-world training opportunities that enhance their future careers.