Published

By Totton College

in Apprenticeships

Totton College is a proud supporter of the Haynes Mechanix Project, encouraging young people in Southampton to pursue a career within the motor vehicle industry.

The Haynes Group has launched its third Haynes Mechanix project in Dibden, Totton, which runs from January 2017 to July 2017, taking its popular Mechanix course outside of London for the first time.

The programme will see a group of 11 young people aged 14-17, who have no prior car mechanic experience, challenged to bring a 1999 Ford Fiesta Ghia up to MOT level using iconic Haynes manuals as their guide.

Totton College, a local technical training centre, has guaranteed that all students who complete the Haynes Mechanix course can attend an interview for Higher Level mechanics courses that will enable students to become professional mechanics.

The students will repair the Fiesta in a working garage provided by Shawfix Autos, a local garage services business, ensuring that they will be working in a professional environment under real life conditions. They will learn essential car maintenance activities, such as changing a wheel, maintaining fluid levels in a car, checking car lights, replacing spark plugs, checking and bleeding the braking system and understanding and carrying out practical MOT test procedures.

Derek Headrige, Campus Principal at Totton College, said:

“We are delighted to be involved with the Mechanix Project. It provides a fun and interesting challenge for young people, and an opportunity, which could set them on the path for a rewarding career in motor mechanics.

We are focused on developing a curriculum that meets the needs of the employment market and addresses skills gaps within local industry. Collaborating with the Mechanix Project helps us to achieve that.”