Member Article

Motor dealer donates car to college to support mechanics of the future

A NORTH-EAST motor dealer is helping to support the mechanics of the future by donating a car to a college.

Sherwoods Group handed over a Citroen C2 to Northumberland College following an appeal for used cars to provide experience for motor vehicle students and apprentices.

Tom Burgess, motor vehicle lecturer at the Ashington college, said: “We strive to give our students as much practical experience as possible, so this kind of support is really appreciated.

“It means the students can really get stuck in by stripping down areas such as the brakes and suspension, as well as getting a better understanding of how the electrics work.

“It is a highly competitive industry, so it’s about giving the students real hands-on experience and teaching them to the highest level possible.”

Sherwoods, which was established as a family business in the 1920s, last year acquired the Springfield Motor Group – incorporating Peugeot, Citroen and Suzuki franchises at Gateshead – as well as taking over Durham Peugeot.

Simon MacConachie, managing director of Sherwoods Group, said: “We heard about the appeal from the college for used cars for the students and apprentices to work on, and we were only too pleased to help.

“As a long-established company, we place a lot of emphasis on growing our own talent, and that process starts at places like Northumberland College.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Peter Barron .