West Notts College students launch auto repair and maintenance business to service staff vehicles

Motor vehicle engineering students at West Nottinghamshire College have fired up the engine on a new business venture, offering a vehicle maintenance and repair service at competitive rates.
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Students on the Level 2 Diploma in vehicle inspection have officially launched the WNC Autocentre at the Engineering Innovation Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Initially operating for one day a week, staff can take their vehicles in to the vehicle workshop and training area for brake maintenance and repair, tyre replacement and wheel balancing, exhaust repairs, suspension maintenance, bulb and wiper replacement and a range of other service options.

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Student Benjamin Howcroft from Forest Town, said: “We’ve got the skills and plenty of experience to offer this service to staff.

West Notts College students Benjamin Howcroft and Kimberley Caldicott with principal Andrew Cropley at the new WNC Autocentre.West Notts College students Benjamin Howcroft and Kimberley Caldicott with principal Andrew Cropley at the new WNC Autocentre.
West Notts College students Benjamin Howcroft and Kimberley Caldicott with principal Andrew Cropley at the new WNC Autocentre.

“We’ve been getting quite a few bookings already and we’re thrilled with the level of interest we’ve had at such an early stage.”

He added: “We’re all looking forward to taking the company forward and getting stuck in. We’ve worked on producing marketing materials as well as the labour costs to charge a fair price.”

Their first customer last week was college principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley.

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After collecting his car, Andrew said: “It really is a fantastic service which we can offer our staff whilst giving engineering students this exceptional real client experience.

"I’m feeling very reassured now my car’s had its winter check – it’s running beautifully and since the coolant pipe has been fixed, the heater is fully-functioning again.”

The business is just the latest college learning companies to have launched this academic year, as a way to generate income and help students develop entrepreneurial and business skills, and a different kind of industry experience, before starting their careers and work with real customers.

Engineering learning advisor James Duncan said: “Our students are very well-prepared to deliver this service.

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"They’ve got all the skills needed to undertake a wide range of mechanical work and they’ve worked incredibly well on all aspects of building a business.

He added: “We’ve got a number of staff already booked-in which is really encouraging.”

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