Automotive Consortium Seeks To Shift Further Education Up A Gear
The relentless pace of vehicle technology, a need to recruit and train technicians of the future and ensuring the currency of lecturers’ skills has prompted the UK motor industry to launch a unique initiative in support of the further education sector, which is responsible for training more than 50,000 young people registered on motor vehicle qualifications, including some 6,000 apprentices annually.
Following a bidding process, open to more than 300 institutions offering automotive training in the UK, ten ‘pathfinder’ centres, including Suffolk College, have been selected to receive significant assistance from an industry consortium.
Recognising the challenges faced by the FE sector in funding investment in facilities, products and vehicles, the chosen centres, all of which are approved by the IMI to deliver national qualifications, will receive a complimentary package of support over the next three years. This includes the provision of vehicles, Snap-on diagnostic equipment, access to technical data and comprehensive training for lecturer staff both off-site and complemented by visits from Snap-on’s technical support team.
In return, the initiative will require participating centres to promote their involvement to local industry, careers offices and schools, as part of the IMI’s “Proud to be professional” campaign, launched last year to step up efforts to attract high calibre students to the benefits of a vocational apprenticeship as a credible and rewarding alternative to university.
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Steve Bassingthwaighte, Curriculum Centre Head, said, “I am delighted and honoured to accept this initiative on behalf of the Automotive, Construction & Engineering Services Curriculum Centre as we will greatly benefit from these vehicles, tools and training. The staff and students deserve the accolade as being one of only 10 centres across the UK to be given the chance to train on high quality resources. As we look forward to our new build these valuable assets will match our new and exciting surroundings and allow us to continue to provide high quality training at modern industry standards.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
bluecycle is providing each centre with a vehicle for diagnostic training purposes, to be replaced every six months, which have been inspected by diagnostics experts from Snap-on. Loaned vehicles are less than five years old and have been written-off, having suffered rear-end damage only. bluecycle is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwich Union, part of the Aviva group
The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor industry and is the leading awarding body of vocational qualifications in the automotive sector. With 25,000 members and nearly 50,000 registered students, the IMI’s mission is to improve professional standards through the recognition, qualification and development of individuals.
Snap-on Diagnostics is part of Snap-on Incorporated, a global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and repair centres.
For further information please contact:
Steve Bassingthwaighte, ACES Curriculum Centre Head
Tel: 01473 343697
Email: stevebassingthwaighte@suffolk.ac.uk
or
Tracey Bailey, Director of Communications
Tel: 01473 296520
Mobile: 07747 691891
Email: traceybailey@suffolk.ac.uk
Web Links: www.suffolk.ac.uk
Issued by Promotions
4 May 2007