Meet Frankie Chilton, Workshop Technician

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Frankie joined the workshop team in December and is enjoying building up a range of new skills. Outside of work he likes to make the most of his downtime with lots of walks with his wife and their dog Lexi, a Border Collie cross.

 

What does your role involve?

It primarily involves carrying our caravan services, with some motorhome habitation checks, motor mover fittings and warranty work thrown in now and again too. Our caravan services are very thorough and I’ve been learning on the job since I joined. They include the following checks: brakes, tyre pressures, tyre condition, the A frame, friction pads, ATC, corner steadies and hand brake. 

We also pressurise the water system and ensure that all the electrical appliances are working properly. We run up the gas system to make sure there aren’t any leaks and that the co2 is at the correct level inside the van. Finally, we check the roof is sound and free from leaks and that the furniture is in good working order too.

 

What is your career background?

I became a tyre fitter after leaving college and have been doing that ever since! Last year I decided that I’d like to try something different so when I saw the workshop technician role advertised, I was really keen to apply. Since starting here, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying trying something new and gaining lots of different leisure vehicle-related experience. Caravans are literally homes on wheels and I like the fact that anything I learn at work can be utilised at home! 

I was completely new to the industry when I joined but James and the team have provided fantastic support throughout. Everyone is willing to help and we all club together to ensure each and every job gets done. It’s this support that has allowed me to progress as well as I have. The hands-on, on-the-job training is great! 

 

What do you consider to be the benefits of caravanning?

It helps the economy in the UK as caravanners contribute to tourism. You can take your home on wheels anywhere you want, enjoy all that the UK has to offer, whilst also giving a little something back to your home country. 

 

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Seeing customers happy when they come to pick up their vans is great! Sometimes we spot a problem during a service and fix it, so seeing how pleased they are when we tell them what we’ve done is very satisfying. Learning all these new skills is rewarding too; it gives me a great feeling of job satisfaction!

 

Have you got any aims for the coming year?

I’m keen to learn as much as I can as well as get a few qualifications under my belt before the year ends. I’m booked onto my gas training course in September, with the  230v and 12v electrical courses to follow soon after. 

 

Why is Winchester Caravans a great place to work?

The people - 100%! James, the MD, is so laid back and easy to talk to, I can have a friendly conversation with him - and anyone else in the team - and everyone supports each other in all they do.  I come to work, I enjoy it and the days fly by!

 

Read some more staff interviews or check out our Meet the Team page!

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