The Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education launched its Automotive Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) this December with resounding success.
The Grimsby Institute is a partner in the Humber Automotive Technology CoVE, which became active in April 2005. This CoVE is driven to enhance the Further Education sector’s contribution to meeting the nation’s current and future skills needs, focussing on improving the employability of new entrants, on developing the skills of those already working, and on helping the employment prospects of those seeking work.
Housed in its own dedicated centre comprising an autotronics diagnostics laboratory, a practical workshop and classroom facilities, the Automotive 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. In addition, as one of the Institute’s key focuses within the CoVE partnership, there is a range of refrigeration transport technology facilities available including dedicated refrigeration workshops, integrated IT solutions using Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) and technical plant and services.
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 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 our industry partners it has been possible to adopt creative approaches to tackling skills issues, innovation and technical excellence.
Representatives from local industry attended its launch as well as those who have supplied and sponsored the Centre including the Learning & Skills Council. Also invited were the partners of the CoVE and the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) awarding body. The VIP speaker was Martyn Bell who is not only due to drive for BMW in the World Championships next year, but is also a businessman and mechanic in his own right.
Champion driver, Martyn Bell, thrilled the audience when he and his trademark BMW appeared at the launch of the Institute’s Automotive Development Centre of Vocational Excellence.
The many times A Class racing champion, who himself trained as a mechanic and owns his own commercial garage in nearby Barrow, praised the CoVE initiative which now sees The Grimsby Institute working in partnership with North Lindsey College and Hull College.
“I’m really impressed by the quality of the equipment here and the things that the trainees are being taught, and I’d be happy for any of my apprentices to come here”, said Martyn. “With the increase in people taking up computer based jobs we’ve seen a real dip in the amount of apprentices entering into mechanics and associated auto trades and hopefully modern, state of the art centres like this will encourage young people to consider the profession.”
As a result of consultation with employers from the motor industry, the Automotive CoVE is developing and delivering specialised courses, relevant to the needs of the sector.
“Ultimately it’s the public who will benefit from this investment and development, as more trainees complete their courses and we see a workforce of highly skilled mechanics emerging”, added Martyn.
