A LANCASHIRE motor dealer has teamed up with Blackburn College to launch a new scholarship programme at its new £5.5m Regional Automotive Technology Hub.
Chorley Nissan has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the college to help students develop and gain employability skills.
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The partnership with local motor dealers such as Chorley Nissan has secured £95,500 from the Edge Foundation’s Innovation and Development Fund to set up a Regional Automotive Technology Development Programme at the college.
The programme links the college with industry in order to create a real world learning environment with new work experience opportunities to help students get into employment.
The scholarship programme at Chorley Nissan will be open to motor vehicle students to apply for, they will then be shortlisted and will go through an interview process to get selected.
Adam Turner, sales director at Chorley Nissan, said: “We firmly believe that investing in the youth of today is vital for longevity in any business.
“The link has been developing over the past few years, and we are excited to finally put pen to paper and get things off the ground.”
Ayub Moosa, RATH curriculum area manager, said: “The Regional Automotive Technology Development Programme is a collaboration between the college and local car dealerships to provide a real-world learning environment by offering learner’s high quality scholarship opportunities and enabling dealerships the opportunity to develop and deliver curriculum in line with industry standards.”
Blackburn College’s RATH opened last August with new facilities for students who want to work in the motor vehicle industry.
The purpose-built building includes an MOT testing lane, rolling road, open plan workshops, a motor vehicle diagnostic iLab, five classrooms and an IT suite.
The RATH accommodates a range of courses including light vehicle and auto electrical, which are accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Awards, alongside a range of professional development courses.
The funding will enable the college to work with four master technicians, one from each dealership, to deliver industry-based sessions within the classroom throughout the academic year.
It is hoped that this employer engagement model will be adopted by the Independent Garage Network.
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