Honda helps to upskill automotive lecturers from the FE sector
Fifteen lecturers from across the UK attended a three day workshop held at the Honda Institute in Slough which was designed to help increase their knowledge of new car technology for the benefit of their learners and the employers they work for.
The workshop was arranged by the IMI in conjunction with Honda following IMI research that identified a significant need for those working in the industry, and therefore those delivering training, to keep up-to-date with rapidly developing and evolving vehicle technology and workshop procedures and practice. The training formed part of the IMI’s commitment as the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail sector to develop teachers, trainers and assessors working in the sector.
The content of the training included, amongst many leading edge topics, hybrid technology, new technology in driver support systems and the latest braking systems technology.
Commenting on the training he received, Nigel Jackson from Doncaster GTA said:
“I really enjoyed the course, the amount of information we were given and the way we were looked after was fantastic. It's great to have connection between the technology we teach and a manufacturer. The information about hybrid technology was excellent in particular the safety aspect of working on the vehicle, I view this as critical information for my learners, to make sure they are fully aware if one should drive into their workshop.”
Patrick Hamilton, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle Engineering at Cambridge Regional College who also attended the training said: “The Honda Training Event was really well organised. It was delivered by keen, enthusiastic and very helpful delivery staff. It has given me an insight into the latest technologies being used today, on the modern motor vehicle and I now feel confident in my understanding of hybrid technology, as well as the other methods of helping to reduce the motor cars' impact on the environment.
I have also taken away good understanding of the ABS which is now fitted to some motorcycles. With an understanding of these technologies I feel confident that I have up to date knowledge to pass on to my learners. This will obviously have a positive impact upon the knowledge and skills which they will learn and they will be able to pass this carry this in to their workplace.”
Adrian Lawson, Development Manager - Quality Improvement who helped organise the workshop said:
“This event will have significant impact on both the credibility and quality of the training which the delegates will go forward to do. It has clear benefit to the large number of learners and employers that the delegates will come into contact with in the future. It is also supports the 'deploy people' criterion within the Training Quality Standard (TQS) which many forward thinking training organisation are aspiring to achieve. Paul Taylor, Technical Training Manager at Honda, has been extremely helpful and accommodating in delivering this training which shows Honda's commitment to developing people.'”
Neil Fletcher, Head of the Honda Institute said:
"I am pleased that lecturers have benefited from the workshop and working in partnership with the IMI has been a pleasure. The workshop reflects Honda's whole-hearted commitment to continual professional development within the automotive industry."
The IMI regularly provides teachers, trainers and assessors with information about continuing professional development (CPD) via its Drive Forward e-newsletter. If you would like to be added to the circulation list for this, please register your interest to Ann Stillion at [email protected] while further information can be found on the IMI website under the Learning Providers tab.