Trainee mechanics have great new skills under their belts
Posted: 26 May 2021
Trainee mechanics at West Nottinghamshire College’s Engineering Innovation Centre have welcomed technical training sessions from a worldwide vehicle parts manufacturer.
Representatives from Dayco, a global leader in the research, design, manufacture and distribution of essential engine drive systems, met with Level 2 Automotive Technician apprentices, to offer training and support for the installation and fitting of Dayco branded timing belt kits and auxiliary belt system components.
Dayco’s UK technical manager Glen Goldstone and central area sales manager Matt Driver, provided students with a history of the company, together with information about current products, how they’re made and how best to install them.
As a large number of road-going vehicles will be fitted with Dayco originated timing belts, it was decided that students at the Sutton-in-Ashfield-based campus would benefit from training and advice of how to install and fault-find on these type of belts.
This in-house training will assist students once they have passed their apprenticeships and are working as mechanics. In addition, Dayco have supplied belts to the engine rigs within the motor vehicle workshop for students to practice working with.
Programme area leader for commercial motor vehicle Kevin Charles said: “Dayco have delivered a really thorough training session about their product. This will be invaluable for our apprentices when fault-finding and fitting timing belts to engines.
“It will help keep the learners informed about the latest developments in belt technology and understand the workings of the product which they will definitely encounter throughout their careers. Each student has been issued with a certificate to recognise this training which will further help them in future jobs.”
UK technical manager Glen Goldstone, who delivered the training, said: “We enjoy working with college apprentices to help them understand our products better. We supply a large quantity of these products for original vehicle manufacturers and in to after-market sales areas, so we believe helping students to become better informed is important.
“These training seminars enable us to get the right messages to newly-trained mechanics which will help them to install the products correctly and effectively using best practice. We’re keen to continue to work with the college in the supply and training of our belt technology and look forward to returning next academic year.”
As well as earning a certificate of training, each student received a goody bag which included tools such as a torque wrench and measuring gauges.