Aaron Rennie joined Allied after being told about the Parts Apprenticeship by his cousin, who worked for us at the time. Now, three years down the line, he’s completed his apprenticeship and is looking forward to carrying on as a fully fledged Parts Advisor. We sat down with him for a quick chat about his experience of the apprenticeship and what life looks like outside of work.
What does your typical day look like?
We get our delivery from Glasgow in the morning and deal with our incoming stock and incoming orders, and we get them sorted for our drivers to head out. And then we come up to the office and deal with phone calls all day.
We get calls from people looking for – as you’d expect – parts, or looking to return parts, etc. So, there’s a lot of customer interaction.
And you recently completed your apprenticeship?
Yes, just at the end of November 2025. It was three-and-a-bit years to complete. So, it was a long time coming. A bit overdue, I’d say, but I’m glad it’s finished.
What led you to start the apprenticeship back then?
I’d always been quite intrigued by the motor trade in general; that’s something my cousin introduced me to at a young age. He actually used to work here and he’s said, “there’s this apprenticeship at my work, working with parts and stuff for cars”.
It was something that piqued my interest, and I made the decision to go for it. It was definitely the right decision; I really enjoy it.
What was involved in it, and did it prepare you well for the full role at the end?
I’ve always been based on site; I didn’t have to attend college or placement. I think that helped, being in and around it all day, every day. And then an assessor would pop up every three to four months where we’d run through things that are related to different aspects of the job like stock taking, returns, that kind of thing.
I think because it is a slightly different structure to Glasgow it’s given me a really broad range of experience.
Glasgow is much larger and have dedicated pickers, whereas we have one warehouse guy downstairs – so when it’s busy, we’re all chipping in, all helping out with anything and everything. Even when I first joined, I helped out in the vans, so I’ve got that behind me as well as dealing with the customers face to face.
Would you have any advice for anyone about to start an apprenticeship at Allied?
I think, as simple as it sounds, don’t be afraid to ask questions; no question is a stupid question even if you’ve asked it before. A few times, even though I had already asked a month or so before, because we’ve not covered it again it needed a reminder.
Everybody I’ve spoken to at Allied, whether it’s been here in Aberdeen or visiting Glasgow, has been really nice. Allied is a very welcoming place, and they’re all really friendly and helpful.
What is it that you enjoy most about your work at Allied?
Probably phone calls every day and dealing with the customers when everything goes right. Obviously, we have parts shortages that crop up sometimes, and that can be a challenge but mostly you just get a nice, easy-going customer on the phone, you’ll have a bit of a chat back and forth, a bit of a laugh or whatever. I’d probably say that’s most enjoyable part of the job.
I enjoy working with people. Ever since I started here it’s brought me out of my shell a bit. Even my family have commented on that in the four years since I stared at Allied.
You touched briefly on the challenges that you face in the role, tell us more about that.
A big thing that has been tricky in the time I’ve been here has been back orders with parts. It’s a real struggle. Thankfully it’s eased off a bit now, but when it was at its peak, it was basically every single phone call we got, we had to say, “I’m sorry, that part’s on back order with the manufacturer, I actually have no idea when it’s going to come in.”
We’re trying to keep customers happy when that’s the case because they’re trade customers and garages. They’re getting it in the neck from their customers, we’re getting it from them, and it’s just a whole cycle that’s not great.
What was the cause of all that?
I believe it was a combination of factors. First thing was that production was affected by COVID; a lot of manufacturing just stopped entirely. And then, just when that was easing up and things were starting to get back to normal, the Russia / Ukraine War started. Apparently, a lot of parts are either shipped through that region or are manufactured there. So that continues to have an impact, but it’s not as bad as when it was at its peak.
How do you like to unwind?
I also try to keep myself fit, get to the gym when I can, that sort of thing.
I started playing golf recently; my dad has been heavily into it all his life, so I did a lot of that over the summer, and I’ve played football all my life and have just gone back to playing 11-a-side.
What team do you play for?
Newmachar. It’s a small village where I grew up, so quite a local team. I know a few of the guys. I played for them most of the time in my youth, except for a couple of years, so it was an easy choice to go there.
We’re doing alright. We’re second division at the minute, sitting about mid-table. Ideally, we’re going for a promotion push, but we’ll see how the season pans out.
What about the golf? Are you any good?
Oh, not at all! I can swing a club, but where it goes and how far it goes, and I couldn’t tell you.
My dad tried to get me into when I was younger, but I didn’t have the patience. But I think something switched in the past few years, and I actually really enjoy it now. So, I’m trying to get better.
At the end of summer my dad and I went to Dumbarnie Golf Links, which is a beautiful course just outside of St. Andrew’s. We went with his pal and his pal’s son. It was right on the coast with amazing views across the whole thing; I think we’re going to make it annual thing, so I need to get practicing!
Do you have a goal you’re currently working towards?
Not work-wise, as I’ve just finished the apprenticeship, but I can’t see myself going anywhere else, so I’d eventually like to start moving up the ladder here once I’m properly established.
Personally, I’m looking towards buying a house. That’s something that’s been on my mind for a few months now. That and getting better at the golf!
