Motor mechanic courses for your school

Working with schools since 2004, Skillnet offers pupils the chance to learn more about motor mechanics and help them develop a diverse set of skills. As the young jobless figures rise close to a record high, now is an opportunity to increase the range of skills your pupils possess before they finish school.

Skillnet has broad experience in training the motor technicians of the future. It is the largest motor vehicle apprenticeship  provider in the UK and delivers national Apprenticeship training for Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, DAF Trucks and Scania (Great Britain) Limited. Skillnet has been working in the motor industry since 1997 and understands what is required for young mechanics to be successful in today's competitive marketplace.  In 2010 Skillnet was inspected by Ofsted and awarded an overall Grade 1 for its learning provision.

Skillnet offers two qualifications on its schools programmes, the Vocational Programme and the Young Apprenticeship Programme. Both the Vocational Programme and the Young Apprenticeship Programme run over a two year period and offer the same qualification outcome, a Level Two Certificate. The only difference is that the Young Apprenticeship Programme requires students to undertake 50 days of work experience in a garage over the two year course. This increases the level of relevant experience that learners take away from the programme and gives students a real insight into a future career in the motor industry.  Skillnet can also offer motor vehicle based courses to satisfy the requirements of specialist learning within the engineering diploma, as well as entry level and level 1 courses that meet the requirements of foundation learning. We deliver bespoke one day courses for sixth form groups, which prepare the learner for vehicle ownership and safe operation. We strongly believe in adding value during the learner's educational journey.

How it works

The schools programmes run over two years with each learner spending one to two days on the course each week. This course can be taken as an option in year nine, or it can be offered to sixth formers interested in developing skills in this area. Half the course is practical and half is made up of theory lessons, similar to that of an Apprenticeship. Students who take the course undertake all the same activities as a fully qualified mechanic and will do jobs such as removal and replacement of brakes, steering, suspension and electrical and exhaust components and systems, as well as many other modules.

What it offers

Pupils on the schools programmes get first-hand experience of the exciting and fast paced motor industry. Pupils not only get to study for vocational motor vehicle qualifications, which will put them a cut above the rest when applying for jobs after they have finished school, the Young Apprenticeship courses are also equivalent to a minimum of 4 GCSEs at A* to C.

The vocational programmes are aimed at encouraging all 14 - 19 year olds to realise their full potential in their adult working life, and provide excellent opportunities for young people. Many of Skillnet's tutors started out as Apprentices themselves; a number of senior people in the industry also started their careers as Apprentices. The career progression opportunities are endless.

Our experience

Skillnet currently works with five schools across London and Hertfordshire, which have all enjoyed high success rates on the school programme.

Skillnet prides itself on the positive impact it can have on pupils who undertake our courses. We have had regular feedback from Head Teachers and parents commenting on the change in attitude they have seen from their children towards school, their punctuality, attendance and learning. The course opens up a new way of thinking for many of the students taking the course. It helps them to focus on their future employment and the skills they will need to develop to be effective in the workplace.

Case Study

Birchwood High School in Bishop's Stortford currently has 32 pupils on the Young Apprenticeship Programme and Vocational Programme. The school has been working collaboratively with Skillnet and is moving into its third year on the programme.

Deputy Head, Sally Taylor said: "I would recommend both the Young Apprenticeship Programme and the Vocational Programmes to other schools. The course is integral to the student curriculum and feedback from pupils and parents alike is very positive."

Sally went on to say: "The course is always oversubscribed and as a result we have to select students by a process of interviews. We hope that by providing these courses, we raise student's aspirations to consider automotive engineering at university or to take on an Apprenticeship. Some of our students have already been offered Apprenticeships when they finish school."

What next?

The schools programme not only offers relevant qualifications, but also the opportunity for pupils to excel and get a head start in their chosen profession. This will provide students with excellent opportunities when they are ready for a career in the motor industry.

For more information about how to take on one of Skillnet's automotive schools programmes, please contact me on 01923 630800 or email me at: will.mccafferty@skillnet.org.uk