The Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education is set to complete the £250,000 expansion to its Automotive Technical Training Centre. Launched last year as a development centre of vocational excellence (CoVE), the completion of the extended workshop area marks the department having achieved full CoVE status.
The newly constructed building will expand the current workshop area whilst also incorporating a special car valeting training suite. The expansion will compliment the existing facilities, which comprise an autotronics diagnostics laboratory, a practical workshop and classroom facilities.
The Automotive Technical Training Centre at the Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education offers companies an industry standard, simulated environment for the up-skilling of their workforce. Through the CoVE funding the Autotronics Diagnostics Laboratory has been fully refurbished to offer a range of new technologies including:
• Computer based training• Vehicle fault insertion• Simulated vehicle electronic systems• Mobile diagnostic rigs
The centre has also had its workshop areas upgraded to include engine diagnostic equipment in a simulated work environment. Classed as a centre of excellence by the Institute of Motor Industry awarding body, the provision offered is tailored to the needs of an ever-changing industry. The delivery team has a wealth of industrial experience across a wide range of vehicle applications including both light and commercial vehicles. Their knowledge and skills directly relate to the current and future needs of work and is fully up to date in terms of specialised content.
The Automotive Technical Training Centre at GIFHE works closely with business and industry, establishing relationships with employers promoting a joint commitment to investing in workforce development. By consulting with its industry partners it has been possible to adopt creative approaches to tackling skills issues, innovation and technical excellence.
With qualifications ranging from school leaver through to level three work-based training for those already employed in the profession, the Centre provides the perfect environment for those seeking a career in the automotive trade or looking to specialise in a particular area of it.
As part of the new development the structure of the courses will also change slightly. Still containing the same number of modules and with the same duration, the courses will now have a module on motorcycle repair and maintenance incorporated into them.
The new premises will be officially unveiled at a ceremony later in the year, also geared towards launching the new full CoVE status of the training centre. The work on the extended premises is expected to be complete by September in time for the new academic term and will immediately be utilised by new and existing students.
