Member Article

Gateshead College Students To Show They've Got Talent

LEADING North East vehicle maintenance equipment supplier, Gott Technical Services, is helping to nurture the next generation of automotive workers by jump starting an exciting new initiative with Gateshead College students.

Gott has launched the project with more than 300 students from Gateshead College’s motor vehicle mechanic, body repair and paint, welding and engineering courses across all year groups, which will see them design a piece of garage equipment of the future.

With the chance of winning a month’s industry work experience within a real garage environment provided by Benfield Motor Group and job shadowing 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.

Students 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 showed massive potential then we could even look at getting the piece made into production for real.”

The students will present their ideas to Ian Gott, a local garage owner and Richard Winship, lecturer in motor vehicle body repair and refinishing at the college. They will be asked to consider what mechanics currently lack in their workspace,what they would find useful and what problems mechanics currently face thatthey cannot solve with current conventional equipment.

As well as the work experience placement, the pair deemed to have designed the most creative and resourceful piece of equipment will both win a £50 Halfords gift voucher. Second and third prizes will also be given.

Richard Winship commented: “This competition is a great opportunity for our students to work alongside and learn from some of the best people in the automotive maintenance business. In addition to developing their industry related abilities, the students will be required to work as a team, think creatively and communicate effectively, all skills which are vital to being successfulafter their course finishes, ensuring they have the best chance possible ofemployment or further success.”

Benfield Motor Group digital sales and marketing manager Mark King said: “We are delighted as the North East’s largest Motor Group to be supporting this competition and are looking forward to seeing some innovative equipment designs and ideas, which could potentially improve the efficiency of work in our Service Centres and garages.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gott Technical Services .