College Learners in the Driving Seat with Vauxhall

Motor Vehicle students from Milton Keynes College are set to benefit from a very special donation from Vauxhall Motors in partnership with the Business in the Community organisation.

The donation sees the College’s Motor Vehicles department receive a full working Vauxhall Vivaro van from the motor production giant, which is based nearby in Luton.

The Vivaro, which will be located at the College’s workshop environment at Bletchley campus, is one of a number of vehicles that the company uses for testing purposes. Once those tests had been completed, the vehicle then became available for donation for educational purposes via Business in the Community, a charity organisation which manages a number of programmes aimed at tackling issues in business and society.

By receiving the Vivaro, students on the College’s Motor Vehicle study programmes will be able to practice the skills learned in their lessons on a brand new, fully-working vehicle, providing them with an excellent opportunity that otherwise would be impossible.

From Vauxhall’s point of view, the donation helps to achieve one of their stated aims – namely supporting young people wherever possible. In addition, donating vehicles in this way helps manufacturers avoid unnecessary waste as they are far better used in education.

Cherie Denton, Community Relations Coordinator from Vauxhall, played a key role in making the donation possible. She said: “In Bedfordshire we build the Vauxhall Vivaro, this vehicle has been very successful and Vauxhall has been the UK’s top van maker for 14 years running.  Before we pass our vehicles out to the public all types of testing are needed, to make our vehicles safe and efficient for our customers.  Pre-production vehicles are used for these purposes and when we are satisfied that all is well, these vehicles are able to be placed to support young people.”

“The Vivaro placed with Milton Keynes College will help their students to develop skills on a current vehicle.”

Tony Gates, Head of School for the College’s Motor Vehicle Department, was delighted to receive the Vivaro. He said: “This state of the art vehicle will provide an excellent opportunity for our level 3 Motor Vehicle students to develop live diagnostic skills, helping to prepare them for an exciting career working  as a vehicle technician in the motor vehicle industry’’

Find out more about MK College’s Motor Vehicle courses or take a look around the facilities with an online, virtual tour.