Member Article

Automotive training puts students in career fast lane

Nine Gateshead College students are driving towards successful careers after finding employment through apprenticeships at local automotive firms.

Trewicks Accident Repair Centre has made a triple appointment, taking on Steven Clark and Mckenzie Mason as body repair apprentices and Jordan Elliott as a paint apprentice.

Melissa MacDonald, who won an Institute of Motor Industry award last year, completed a Level 3 Body and Paint course at Gateshead College before embarking on a smart repair apprenticeship at Evans Halshaw. Meanwhile, mechanic apprentices Luke Turner and Abul Miah are employed at vehicle servicing firm Cartech and automotive retailer Stratstone respectively.

Vehicle maintenance firm Chips Away has taken on Orin Rowe as a smart repair apprentice; body repair apprentice Ian Curson has joined Clarks Accident Repair, while Mathew Naylor has embarked on a paint apprenticeship at Bristol Street Motors.

McKenzie, 18 from Forest Hall, is studying Level 2 Body & Paint at Gateshead College as part of his apprenticeship at Trewicks.

He said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying my time at the company and the training at Gateshead College has given me the perfect preparation for my new role.

“My Body and Paint course has equipped me with the vital knowledge I need to work as a body repairer or paint refinisher. I’m still learning new skills as my apprenticeship progresses and gaining a wider understanding of more general issues such as workplace health and safety, vehicle assessments and practical problem solving.”

Tom Widdrington, manager of Newcastle-based Trewicks Accident Repair Centre, said: “Our three apprentices are an integral part of our business. They have all come into the business with the right attitude and skills that have enabled them to hit the ground running and make a real difference.

“Apprenticeships are especially useful for automotive firms, which need to recruit a steady stream of young talent to replace older workers who’ve retired.”

The automotive students can train at Gateshead College’s Team Valley-based Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics, which has state-of-the-art driving simulators, specialist diagnostics equipment and a dedicated welding workshop.

Mick Brophy, managing director of business, innovation and development at Gateshead College, said: “The academy provides the perfect environment for our students to prepare themselves for the world of work. We have forged strong links with employers in this sector through apprenticeship schemes and other vocational training which equips students with the skills businesses really need.”

Gateshead College is hosting a car show for anyone interested in working in the motor vehicle industry. The Life in the Fast Lane event is taking place at the college’s Team Valley-based Skills Academy on Saturday June 14. For more information, search ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ on Facebook.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .