New Automotive workshop set to boost Dover students

EKC Dover College has opened its new automotive workshop facilities that set to turbocharge skills development in this important area.

The College, which is part of East Kent Colleges Group, welcomed Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke to the site to formally open the building which will help to develop the next generation of automotive professionals for the district and beyond

The £590,461 refurbishment of the automotive workshops will ensure that even more people are able to train within the sector, serving up new adult learning opportunities with a new dedicated learning space for people reskill and employers seeking to upskill existing staff. The refurbished building will also offer MOT inspection courses for members of the local community and businesses, helping further embed the College in the community it serves.

Students will also be able to learn about cutting edge technologies, with brand new training equipment throughout which includes electric vehicle equipment. This will help to ensure that students develop future oriented skills that businesses across East Kent need to flourish in the future.

Dover and Deal MP, Natalie Elphicke, said: “I am delighted to formally open the cutting-edge automotive training facility at EKC Dover College.

“Backed by over £590,000 of Government money, it will place Dover in pole position to speed ahead in skills and provide new opportunities for jobs and money. With training on traditional and electric cars, it will be fit for the net zero future too.”

The refurbishment of the space was made possible through the Government’s T Level Development Fund and will enable the College to deliver the new Engineering, Maintenance and Repair automotive qualification.

T Levels are the Government’s new flagship technical qualification that are equivalent to three A Levels, giving students the opportunity to experience a 45-day industry placement that enables them to bring their skills to life in the workplace.

EKC Group Chief Executive Graham Razey said: “We’re passionate about ensuring our learners have the very best facilities in which to learn their craft, so it really is wonderful to be opening this refurbished workshop today and we’d like to thank the Department for Education for the funding made available by the T Level Development Fund.

“This refurbishment will mean that learners are able to use state of the art technology to develop the skills that employers need not just now, but in the future. That will ensure our learners are primed to achieve their ambitions in the career of their choice when they progress from our College, which is absolutely our goal for all students across the East Kent Colleges Group.”

EKC Dover College Principal Paul Owen said: “We’re delighted our automotive students will be able to access the latest technologies in the industry, ensuring they are at the forefront of this constantly revolutionising sector.

“Electric vehicles will be a particularly essential part of the curriculum as we move towards a greener future and, thanks to this new refurbishment, our learners will be futureproofed as they progress into successful careers.

“The new facilities are also an excellent way to engage with local businesses and the community, while offering unbeatable opportunities for our learners to take part in real-world briefs and experiences.

“We’re eager to welcome many future classes of automotive students to this exciting facility.”