RAC, one of Britain’s leading motoring organisations, has launched a £100,000 national initiative to find and train the motor engineers of the future.
RAC, one of Britain’s leading motoring organisations, has launched a Ł100,000 national initiative to find and train the motor engineers of the future.
By linking up with schools to provide vocational training, the company is aiming to give pupils a head start in the automotive industry. And this includes installing the latest vehicle technology on school premises. This scheme is in addition to RAC’s established apprentice and technical training provision for vehicle manufacturers.
The project has begun with RAC and Ashfield School in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, joining forces to help students obtain an Institute of Motor Industry recognised NVQ qualification and an engineering diploma.
A state-of-the-art vehicle workshop is being built at the school, which will be equipped with the latest vehicles and equipment and an RAC automotive engineering trainer will deliver practical lessons as part of the school’s curriculum.
In addition, RAC will invite local businesses to provide work placements for successful students, as well as giving students the chance to join RAC-supported apprentice programmes.
Following on from this initial scheme, the company will seek other suitable schools across the country, culminating in several training centres.
Damian O’Connor, RAC’s head of technical service delivery explains: "We want to show students that there is more to the motor industry than just an ‘oily rag’, which is the image we are trying to move away from. Yes, it is possible to become a vehicle technician through this initiative, but it will also provide a gateway into other automotive engineering roles such as manufacturing and product design of vehicle systems, electronic control and robotics – these are the critical jobs for the future of manufacturing in this country.
“The automotive industry needs to start attracting young people, who would not typically think of joining the motor industry for a career, and who bring a different set of qualities to address the skills gaps now and even more so in the future, particularly in the vehicle diagnosis areas.
“Master technicians of the future will require a greater understanding of electronics and software programming and as an industry we need to be focused right now on this issue. That is why we have developed this programme with Ashfield School, enabling us to build in this level of understanding at an early point in our future technicians’ development.”
O’Connor continues: “So, our initiative will combine the engineering diploma and technical certificate for 14-19 year olds into the existing school curriculum, giving students the opportunity to experience real world training in an adult environment.”
This programme will look to attract the very best students who will fast-track onto modern apprenticeships and continue their technical development at a pace that will help address this concern.
The project is supported by Automotive Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the retail automotive industry charged with addressing skills shortages in the sector. Lessons will be included in Ashfield School’s curriculum from September 2007.
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RAC Press office contact:
Jon Day at RAC Press Office on 07800 690555 or Jon Clements at Staniforth on 0161 919 8022/ 07989 414486
Notes to editors:
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.
RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.