Oldham mechanic-turned-mentor celebrates two major awards

An Oldham entrepreneur who grew up in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) has won two major awards after launching community projects empowering women with life-changing car skills.

Rubena Begum, Director of Jacksons MW Academy CIC, was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Oldham Business Awards in October and again at the Biz Women Awards in November.

Rubena spent her entire school life in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and has now won two major business awards and is leading a growing community movement empowering women, young people, and SEND learners with essential car maintenance skills.

Her journey is far from typical.

Rubena attended a PRU from Year 7 to Year 11 at Kinglands School, a setting often labelled for “naughty kids”.

But Rubena describes it differently.

“We weren’t naughty, just misunderstood. We needed help, not judgment,” she said.

“I grew up believing I would never achieve anything, and certainly never imagined winning awards or running a business.

"Now I want young people, especially those in PRUs, to see that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.”

Now Rubena has trained as a mechanic, created her own pathway in a male-dominated industry, and is now using her real-life experience to uplift the very people who are sometimes overlooked, underestimated, or forgotten by mainstream education.

Through Jackson MW Academy CIC, Rubena delivers hands-on, jargon-free automotive skills workshops for:

· women
· young people facing barriers
· SEND learners
· community groups
· schools and colleges

Her mission is to build confidence, safety and independence through knowledge.

Last week, Rubena delivered her first women’s car-maintenance workshop in partnership with Oasis Hub Oldham, and the response was overwhelming.

The session was fully booked, and the women were engaged from start to finish, asking questions, sharing experiences and eager to learn crucial skills, including tyre care, oil maintenance and safety checks.

Rubena added: “So many women feel embarrassed or intimidated around cars.

"I want to change that.

"Car knowledge isn’t just a skill, it's about safety, confidence and empowerment.”

Her work aims to reduce cost-of-living pressures, improve road safety and create opportunities for people who don’t thrive in traditional academic environments.

Despite leaving school with no qualifications, Rubena is now a double award-winning entrepreneur, breaking barriers and reshaping what a community leader looks like.

Jacksons MW Academy CIC is now expanding its community programmes and is open to partnerships with charities, colleges, housing groups and corporate wellbeing teams across Greater Manchester.

Organisations interested in working with Rubena can get in touch via the academy’s social channels or email.

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