A motor vehicle student is on track to a high-octane career after securing work experience at a major autocare organisation and an award for outstanding achievement.
Max Skelding, 17, was given special recognition at the Bradford College FE Student and Apprenticeship Awards for his drive and commitment to his future career.
He has achieved the award for his determination to excel on his Level 2 Fast-Track Motor Vehicle course, exceeding the number of work experience hours needed for his studies despite the pandemic and forging a path towards his chosen career.
As a result of his determination, Max was chosen for a work experience trial at the Halifax branch of Halfords and is hoping to go onto an apprenticeship with the firm this year. He hopes to eventually manage his own garage.
Max, who lives near Illingworth, Halifax, said: “I feel great and I’m really pleased with this award.”
Max was one of the students who received awards during a week of special ceremonies at the college last week. Tutors put him forward for the Outstanding Achievement Award for the Construction and Engineering Department.
Reading out his nomination, Head of Department Greg O’Shea said: “Max has been consistent in communicating with the team, organised in returning necessary evidence and forms and providing well-written and consistent information. He exceeded the required number of work experience hours during the pandemic, going out of his way to find his own resources that fit in line with his chosen career path and deserves recognition for his achievements this year in going above and beyond to become one step closer to his future career goals.”
Max’s journey at Bradford College began in 2020. He said: “I have always liked the idea of becoming a mechanic. I decided the best way to expand my knowledge of mechanics was to join a course with Bradford College.”
When lockdown was announced at the start of 2021, learning switched from being at college to online. Max used Microsoft Teams and Electude, an interactive programme where students learn about working on a vehicle through problem solving activities. Max said: “This has been a great help with my online learning as it has expanded my mechanical knowledge without me having to come into college.
“If I have had any problems with accessing work or struggling with work my tutors were able to help me as they are approachable and easy to talk with making for a comfortable college environment.”
Max even gave a presentation at the college’s recent Sustainable Transport Open Day, where employers heard about the college’s work to develop the sustainable transport work of the future.
Max said: “My time at college has helped me to gain more confidence in working on vehicles and opened up my opportunities even more.
“If you want to go to Bradford College, I say go for it; it’s really expanded my knowledge.”
Stephen Smith, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction and Engineering, said; “Max has had a fantastic year with us. Max’s Maths and English results gave him the opportunity to fast-track straight to Level 2 where his dedication and hard work have earned him an apprenticeship position via Halfords apprenticeship academy via Bradford College. This is really well earned by Max, who recorded a large number of enrichment hours through online work experience opportunities with the College. We look forward to Max returning in September to start his next adventure with the College.”
If you want to work with cars and engines, study one of our Motor Vehicles courses at Bradford College.
You’ll train in real workshops and garages. Find out more at https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/motor-vehicle/
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