East Sussex College launches new qualifications in motor vehicle

The Automotive Crash Repair Training Centre at East Sussex College Eastbourne opens its doors for an employer and trade event.

The college welcomed nearly 40 employers and 18 trade suppliers to the event, launching the new IMI accreditation and re-accreditation courses now on offer. Focusing on the light vehicle area of the automotive sector, IMI Accreditation gives employees in the motor vehicle industry, the chance to achieve a highly regarded qualification. Accreditation typically takes just one day to achieve and individuals are assessed against industry-agreed standards. Once secured the accreditation can offer multiple career development options.

The IMI Accreditation was launched this June at the Eastbourne campus with John Hay, IMI Business Development Manager, in attendance. The college welcomed leading industry names to the launch including spray gun supplier SATA; Audatex; paint manufacturer PPG/Max Meyer, Dent Devils, Porsche UK and body shop equipment suppliers Stanners, who demonstrated their latest technology and equipment.

Michael Poil, Motor Vehicle tutor at ESC, says: “There are around 300 body shops who would benefit from using us as we are within easy reach, offering advantageous cost savings. Other sites will often require candidates to travel and pay for accommodation.”

Andrew Bamber, Motor Vehicle tutor at ESC, adds: “We realised there has been a real skills shortage for many years in the accident repair industry. We decided that, to support the employers we work with, we not only needed to provide top-level apprenticeships, but also further progression and training for employees.

“Feedback from the event has been positive and we made lots of new contacts for us and many of the other attendees. We are already planning an even bigger event for next time!”

The automotive crash repair training centre at the college is now working to extend their offer to include Senior Panel Accreditation and Re-accreditation, MET, and hopefully electric and hybrid vehicles. The college already offers A/C refrigerant handling and many other courses for employees to upskill.