The Garage 289

19 focus Automotive Engineering
Stuart James,
Director of the IGA
James believes that this
is part of the problem. Students
are provided with a
raft of courses but many have
no real idea of what path they
wish to take and have very
little preparation in terms of
help and support.
Colleges are often equipped
with first-class facilities and
James thinks that they could
be more proactive in selling
the profession to prospective
students, and show them the
wealth of opportunities that
the sector has to offer. The
facilities that colleges have
to offer are superb, while
the investment in auto centres
and equipment gives
students first-hand experience
and real life workshop
environments to learn and
understand a variety of technologies.
This is the ideal place for
any aspiring technician to get
started and to understand
the vast array of opportunities
in the industry. Students
benefit from working in reallife
workshop conditions,
and are taught by industrytrained
professionals with a
wide breadth of specialisms.
Vehicle fitting and maintenance
courses are offered
at all levels, taking students
from basic theory and practical
elements about engines,
tyres, brakes, steering and
suspension, right through
to more advanced modules
which work on hi-tech rigs
and live vehicles, to focus on
the diagnosis of complex system
faults.
The college close to The
Garage’s office has a £3.5
million automotive centre,
which includes three state-ofthe-art
specialist workshops,
one of which is soundproofed
for engine and chassis testing.
They also have the latest
automated test lane for MoT
testing, a chassis dynamometer,
engine testing and fault
diagnostics, computerised
four-wheel alignment and
superb tools. The centre also
has strong links with major
motor dealerships, and independent
garages in our surrounding
area.
Another concern that
James raised was that of apprenticeships.
The RMI is a
huge supporter of the programme
and he made reference
to the fear that some
garages have of hiring an apprentice.
He feels there is a
lack of understanding from
garage owners over a number
of issues ranging from
insurance and health and
safety, to tax and PAYE.
James says garages need
to understand that any apprentice
taken on, must
work towards an approved
apprenticeship standard or
framework. They must be
employed in a real working
practice so that they have the
opportunity gain knowledge
and gain the skills needed to
pass their assessment.
It’s vitally important to
remember that apprentices
have the same employment
rights as any other employees
and must be offered paid
holidays, sick pay and any
benefits, along with coaching
or mentoring. He points
out that apprentices are also
open to a business’ disciplinary
processes should the
need arise.
In closing, Stuart James’
concerns are something
that are shared by The Garage
Magazine. The future is
knocking hard at our door
and the industry needs to
secure the next generation
of technicians fast, so that
they are able to grow with
the technology. It’s safe to say
that most of today’s younger
generation are already advanced
in the ways of the microchip,
using various devices
simultaneously with ease,
and understanding code.
It’s in all garages’ interests
to consider an apprenticeship
programme. Get behind
our younger generation and
help them fulfil a passion
that is all encompassing.
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