Coleg Gwent Scoops Five Medals at Motor Vehicle Finals

Students at Coleg Gwent took five medals at the recent Skills Competition Wales Motor Vehicle finals, which were hosted at City of Newport Campus.

Skills Competition Wales consists of 30 local skills competitions, including four Motor Vehicle categories. As well as raising the profile of skills in Wales, these events offer students trainees and apprentices a chance to challenge, benchmark and raise their skills by competing across a range of sectors. Each competition was judged by staff and tutors from the competing colleges.

The Automotive Technician Light Vehicle final included students from across Wales representing Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Bridgend College, Merthyr College, Gower College, Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Ceredigion, Coleg Cambria and Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

First place went to Matthew Baber, 17, who is currently completing a Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 2 Apprenticeship at City of Newport Campus, whilst working at Forge Motors in Cwmbran.

The tasks for the competition included a vehicle inspection, a brake test, a transmission test, a diagnostics test, an engine inspection, and an electrical task.

The Automotive Body Repair Technician finals competition, included competitors from Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College and GLLM.

First place was taken by Kallum Spires, 17 from Cwmbran. Mr Spires is a full-time student studying at the City of Newport Campus. He had to complete four tasks including MIG welding, spot welding, metal finishing and panel removal and replacement.

Coleg Gwent students took first, second and third place in the Automotive Technician Heavy Vehicle Wales national finals, which included a vehicle inspection, an electrical tasks, a brake task, an engine inspection, a transmission task and a diagnostic.

Ky Harvey, 20 from Newport won Gold. Sean Lewis, 20 from Newport won Silver, and Ryan Bowles, 20 from Risca, won Bronze. The three are completing Level 2 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeships.

Robert Morse, Full Time lecturer at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus Motor Vehicle department said: “We were very pleased to host the motor vehicle finals, and I am absolutely thrilled that our students have done so well. To take five medals across three of the competitions is proof of the effort and hard work they have put into the competition.”

Wayne Cartwright, Lecturer and Professional Trainer at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus said: “The Motor Vehicle apprenticeships involve a mix of learning in the workplace and college training on a day or block release basis, whilst earning at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage. This offers students the opportunity to practice and develop skills and knowledge in a real work context. This will enable them to progress and build a career.”

Richard Wheeler, Lecturer at City of Newport Campus Engineering department said: “The Skills Competition Wales final results demonstrates the value of the Motor Vehicle apprenticeships available City of Newport Campus. To win five medals is a fantastic achievement.”

Steve Lewis, Head of Engineering at City of Newport Campus said: “This is the first year that we have hosted the Motor Vehicle competition Wales finals. This competition is an excellent way for our students and apprentices to put their skills and knowledge into practice, working to a deadline in industry conditions. It is an opportunity to prove to both themselves and current or prospective employers that they are more than ready and capable to move into the world of work.”

For more information about the Motor Vehicle courses at Coleg Gwent, please visit: http://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/