Telford College has bought two electric cars as part of a major investment in its automotive training facilities.
The electric Vauxhall Corsas will allow the college team to expand electric and hybrid motor vehicle training opportunities for full-time students.
It also means the college will be able to offer electric and hybrid vehicle commercial tuition to the business community for upskilling the local workforce.
The cars have been purchased from local Vauxhall dealer Greenhous, based at Trench Lock.
Robert Lees, director of automotive, construction and engineering at Telford College, said: “It is crucial for the next generation of motor vehicle mechanics and technicians to be comfortable with servicing and repairing electric and hybrid vehicles.
“From September this year we will be running a new level three training programme in component removal and replacement in electric and hybrid vehicles.”
As part of the partnership, Telford College automotive students will also get the chance to visit the Greenhous workshops to observe more complex repairs, and the company will also supply the college with components to aid their studies.
Geoff Lowe, after sales manager at Greenhous, said: “This initiative by Telford College is a really good idea. It will give people a really good grounding in the full workings of a high voltage vehicle.
“We need to give the next generation of automotive engineers hands-on experience so they understand the principles of how these vehicles work.
“Having these cars will help technicians to understand the health and safety implications of working with 450-volt electric vehicles, the different scenarios they will face.”
He added: “There is a technicians’ shortage in our industry right now, so we are very happy to be playing our part in getting young people interested in the industry by supporting local colleges. These people are the future of our industry.”
Greenhous currently employs two Telford College automotive apprentices, who are entering their third year of study.
Pictured above: Robert Lees at Greenhous with after sales manager Geoff Lowe
