Dumfries and Galloway College students were delighted to get the opportunity to work with local companies as part of their motor vehicle course, allowing them to get real hands-on experience.
The full-time Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles at SCQF Level 5 (IMI)diploma works well as an introduction to the motor industry, as a continuation of the Transport Maintenance Motor Vehicle program or as a route to a Modern Apprenticeship.
Students are also given the chance to undertake work experience with local garages to boost their skills they have learnt on the course.
The learners who went out on placement were:
Aiden Furnass
Garage: Robertson Gemini
Location: Castle Douglas
Duration: Aiden gained more than four weeks work experience at Robertson Gemini and thoroughly enjoyed his time there.
Emily Marshall
Garage: Akers Garage
Location: Dumfries
Duration: Emily had four weeks with Akers Garage, who specialise in Volkswagen group repairs and diagnostics, and had the opportunity to be involved in diagnostic work and general repairs.
Callum McKinlay
Garage: Balmoral Road Car Sales
Location: Dumfries
Duration: Callum was thrilled to get work experience with a much-respected local firm, where he worked with top technicians learning how to diagnose and rectify various issues with customers’ cars.
John Hughes
Garage: Crown Garage
Location: Castle Douglas
Duration: John enjoyed his time with Crown Garage, where he worked with experienced technicians, learning the skills required to succeed in the automotive trade as a technician.
The IMI Level 5 course involves the study of light vehicle construction and routine maintenance, operating principles of light vehicle engines, tyres, brakes, steering and suspension systems, transmission systems and electrical and electronic systems within structured practical workshop lessons and classroom theory.
Matthew Howitt, Motor Vehicle Lecturer, said: “It’s great that local garages have engaged in providing students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience -which is a part of developing Scotland’s young workforce for the future.
“Students gained an understanding of what is required within a modern and fast-changing automotive environment.
“Staff at the college are committed to helping students progress from their courses into the working environment and we look forward to hearing about how they progress in the future.”