Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Volunteering
Timeline
Generic

Stephen Francis Ratcliffe

Summary

I am a qualified Automotive Technician and Certified WOF Inspector with expertise in vehicle repair, maintenance, and fault diagnosis. I prioritise safety and customer care, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and customers receive clear, reliable service. Skilled in managing workshop operations, I work independently or as part of a team, always adhering to industry standards and regulations. Passionate about off-road vehicles, especially Land Rovers and I have extensive knowledge of European makes and models.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Service Manager

Automotive & 4WD Solutions Cambridge
Cambridge, Waikato
03.2020 - 04.2025
  • Company Overview: Automotive & 4WD Solutions Cambridge is an automotive workshop, that specialise in 4WD vehicles, including servicing, installation of 4WD accessories, tyres & WOF inspections
  • Lead a team of 6 automotive technicians, for efficient workflow and complete timely repairs while maintaining a high standard of work.
  • Organisation of workshop, including distribution and allocation of daily workshop jobs
  • Assist in diagnosing mechanical difficulties
  • Acting as the go between for the workshop staff and office staff
  • Complete daily WOF inspections on vehicles and trailers
  • Carry out repairs and servicing of all makes and model vehicles at a high standard of workmanship
  • Provide high quality customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Assist & support team members, support office staff and apprentices
  • Liaise with customers regarding quotes, increasing transparency and trust in our services.
  • Ensure customer satisfaction with regular communication and updates on repair progress.

Automotive Technician

Top Gear Motors
Cambridge, New Zealand
09.2019 - 03.2020
  • Complete Toyota specific recalls
  • Daily WOF Inspections, servicing and warrant repairs on cars and light trailers
  • Diagnose & rectify faults in vehicles of all makes and models
  • Communication with customers to explain faults and repairs required


Automotive Technician

Premier Automotive
Tauranga, New Zealand
05.2017 - 05.2019

Daily tasks included:

  • Complete service and repair work on mainly European vehicles
  • Work efficiently and effectively
  • Daily use of up to date diagnostic equipment
  • Explaining technical issues clearly to vehicle owners
  • Communicating with customers over the phone and in person to book in work, complete invoices and take payment
  • Organising workloads when proprietor is away from the garage
  • Communicate with parts suppliers to order correct parts to complete necessary repairs

Automotive Technician

Pacific Toyota
Tauranga, New Zealand
02.2017 - 05.2017
  • Complete routine service and repair work on both Toyota and other vehicles
  • To contribute to achieving customer service goals by ensuring repair requirements and vehicle delivery on time
  • Support implementation of strategies to affect a positive improvement rate in service Customer Satisfaction
  • Carry out service and repairs with zero comebacks
  • Complete all Repair Orders (RO) in the time allocated
  • Achieve Technician efficiency targets by using the most appropriate tools and equipment and referring to applicable technical information
  • Ensure clear and continuous communication with the Foreman, Workshop Controller, and Service Advisors regarding job progress and any delays.

Automotive Technician

Greenland Head Garage
Pennymoor, Devon
08.2010 - 01.2017
  • Diagnose and repair automotive issues, including regular vehicle servicing. Oversee daily business operations, ensuring smooth workflow.
  • Communicate technical issues clearly to vehicle owners.
  • Supervise and mentor junior mechanics.
  • Manage maintenance and repairs of workshop equipment.
  • Handle invoicing and supplier payments in the manager's absence.
  • Order vehicle parts and supplies for the garage.
  • Conduct Class 4 & 7 MOT tests on vehicles up to 3500kg.
  • Perform fabrication and welding for vehicle repairs.

Site Labourer

Self Build Alliance
12.2009 - 08.2010
  • Driving and repairing site machinery
  • Laying of groundwork's for building projects
  • Landscaping projects, installation of driveways & garden patios
  • Organization of daily tasks & site health and safety

Utilities Engineer

Drainwizard
09.2007 - 12.2009
  • Laying of housing fresh water supply and drainage
  • Emergency repair work to water supplies
  • Communicating with household insurance companies
  • Arranging and planning works to be carried out

Outdoor Instructor

The Trekking Company
07.2004 - 09.2007
  • Responsible for up to 12 participants of outdoor activities ages 10 - 40 years
  • Lead instructor for corporate team building days
  • Lead instructor for school groups on activity weeks

Education

Level 2 & 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Principles & Competence

Petroc College
Tiverton, Devon
09.2010 - 06.2012

Adventure Activity Leadership Award - Credit

Bicton College
Bicton, Devon
01.2002 - 01.2006

GCSES - 9 GCSES - C-D including Maths, English & Science

Clyst Vale Community College
01.1999 - 01.2002

Skills

  • Certified WOF Inspector (NZ)
  • Workshop management
  • Driven and self-motivated
  • Problem solving
  • Welding
  • Customer Care
  • Proactive Communication
  • Efficient time management
  • Proficient in Mechanic Desk, Outlook, Word,

Certification

  • WOF Inspector
  • NZQA Level 4 award on EV & HEV Vehicles
  • IMI Level 2 & 3 award in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repair
  • IMI Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance
  • MIG & ARC Welding experienced
  • Outdoor 1st Aid
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Day Skipper Licence

Accomplishments

Top performing student - Petroc College 2012

Volunteering

Land Search and Rescue Waikato, New Zealand


LANDSAR volunteers undergo regular training to keep their skills sharp. This includes search & survival techniques, first aid, navigation, rope work, and other rescue-related skills.

Participate in searching for missing persons, often in rugged or remote terrain.



Timeline

Service Manager

Automotive & 4WD Solutions Cambridge
03.2020 - 04.2025

Automotive Technician

Top Gear Motors
09.2019 - 03.2020

Automotive Technician

Premier Automotive
05.2017 - 05.2019

Automotive Technician

Pacific Toyota
02.2017 - 05.2017

Level 2 & 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Principles & Competence

Petroc College
09.2010 - 06.2012

Automotive Technician

Greenland Head Garage
08.2010 - 01.2017

Site Labourer

Self Build Alliance
12.2009 - 08.2010

Utilities Engineer

Drainwizard
09.2007 - 12.2009

Outdoor Instructor

The Trekking Company
07.2004 - 09.2007

Adventure Activity Leadership Award - Credit

Bicton College
01.2002 - 01.2006

GCSES - 9 GCSES - C-D including Maths, English & Science

Clyst Vale Community College
01.1999 - 01.2002
Stephen Francis Ratcliffe