MASTER technician Chris Shearer returned to his roots to talk to Blackburn students about a career in the motor industry.

Chris, who works for the Chorley Group, studied a VCQ in auto-electrical vehicle maintenance and repair at Blackburn College a number of years ago and was invited to speak about his experiences in the industry.

He said: “It came about after one of the college lecturers, Ged Linnane, came to look around one of our branches and saw the work we were doing with electrical vehicles.

“That’s my area of expertise and when Ged found out I had studied at Blackburn College he asked me if I’d like to discuss my experiences with students.” Chris took part in a question and answer session with 30 students.

Ged, said: “The students all said how useful it was to hear from people who were doing the job and to hear how Chris had progressed from being a student here.”

Blackburn College will open a new £5.5m regional automotive technology hub in September, which will include a diagnostic lab, a refinishing centre and an MOT lane.

“Cars are a lot more sophisticated these days compared to when I first started so today’s mechanics need a lot more technical knowledge,” added Chris.

“This new centre will be a massive boost to Blackburn College and the motor trade in Lancashire because it will help equip students with the skills they need to become 21st century mechanics.”