As the British motorsport industry continues to grow, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second in the Formula One championship in only his first season, national qualification provider NCFE has launched a new range of qualifications to ensure the UK remains in pole position.
NCFE has recently launched a range of qualifications in motorsport operations and motorsport scrutineering, which aim to provide opportunities for learners to develop skills and knowledge essential for the safe participation in the motorsport industry. Many of the skills are also transferable across a range of sectors.
The motorsport industry is experiencing rapid growth, requiring key skills to ensure its continued development. In 2006, Formula One alone saw the total spending of all 11 constructor teams grow to £1.4 billion.
The NCFE qualifications in motorsport operations cover a range of key skills including; logistics, vehicle control, navigation, timekeeping, competition safety check and racing. They also cover personal well-being and fitness in motorsport, competition budgets, sponsorship and marketing, communication and customer care and environmental issues.
Scrutineers also play an important role in many motor sports, ensuring that vehicles conform to relevant technical regulations. NCFE has therefore introduced a Level 1 award in this area which includes an introduction to event vehicle scrutineering, critical information finding, health, safety and security issued and scrutineering at motorsport events.
Lisa Stephenson, Sector Leader of Leisure, Travel and Tourism at NCFE, commented: “British motorsport is currently experiencing an impressive run, with the successful first season of Lewis Hamilton for the British-run McLaren Formula One team, to BP Ford’s dominance in world rallying. It is important that we continue to develop the skills required to drive the industry forward and to compete successfully on a national and international level.”
“NCFE’s unique range of qualifications are ideal part-time or full-time awards for school leavers and adult returners, interested in a career in motorsport or the motor vehicle trade. The motorsport scrutineering award is also appropriate for learners within the 14 to 16 age group as part of an initial vocational training programme.”
