A MORPETH business is helping to nurture the next generation of automotive workers by jump starting a new initiative.
The project, which will involve more than 300 students from Gateshead College’s motor vehicle mechanic, body repair and paint, welding and engineering courses across all year groups, has recently been launched by Gott Technical Services.
With the chance of winning a month’s industry work experience within a real garage environment provided by Benfield Motor Group and the opportunity to shadow a Gott Engineer, students will work in pairs to design a new piece of equipment aimed at garage owners and mechanics to make their lives easier.
They will have one month to work on their design, which could be anything from new clothing for mechanics to wear, a piece of equipment for electric and hybrid vehicles, something to improve productivity, or something to deal with health and safety issues such as manual handling.
Gott Technical Services director Ian Gott said: “We are keen to play our part in promoting the development of skills within the automotive industry, so we are delighted to launch this opportunity with Gateshead College and to help to stimulate the minds of young learners looking forward to a career in our sector and hopefully give them their first step on the career ladder.
“Who knows, if the design shows massive potential then we could even look at getting the piece made into production for real.”
The students will present their ideas to Mr Gott, a local garage owner and Richard Winship, lecturer in motor vehicle body repair and refinishing at the college.
Gateshead College lecturer Richard Winship and Gott Technical Services director Ian Gott with Gateshead College students, ready to start the design project.