<p>Weston College's Automotive learners were given a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of luxury automobiles during an unforgettable visit to Career Excellence Hub Partner, Mercedes-Benz, Weston-super-Mare dealership.</p><p>The amazing trip allowed learners to explore the garages and engage in enlightening conversations with managers, salesmen, and mechanics.</p><p>The excursion was part of Weston College's commitment to providing its students with hands-on experiences that enhance their learning and career prospects. By collaborating with renowned industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz, the college aims to expose its learners to real-world scenarios and foster a deeper understanding of the automotive industry.</p><p>During their visit, the motor vehicle learners were welcomed onto the bustling shop floor of the Mercedes-Benz dealership, where they witnessed firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each iconic vehicle. From the sleek exteriors to the state-of-the-art technology embedded within, the learners gained invaluable insights into the manufacturing process and the attention to detail that distinguishes Mercedes-Benz from its competitors.</p><p>In addition to observing the shop floor operations, the learners had the opportunity to engage in in-depth conversations with the dealership's knowledgeable managers, salesmen, and mechanics. These industry professionals generously shared their expertise, offering practical advice and shedding light on the various career pathways available within the automotive sector.</p><p>Learners eagerly absorbed the wealth of information, asking insightful questions and gaining a clearer perspective on the skills and attributes required to thrive in this fast-paced industry.</p><p>Chris Priest, the Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, saying: "We are incredibly grateful to Mercedes-Benz for welcoming our learners and providing them with such an extraordinary learning experience."</p><p>“Engaging with industry professionals and witnessing the inner workings of a prestigious dealership has undoubtedly broadened their horizons and ignited their passion for pursuing careers in the automotive field."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… out more about Weston College’s Automotive courses, by clicking here.</a></p>

<p>The automotive industry is a vast and exciting field that offers numerous opportunities for individuals who are passionate about cars and have the drive to succeed.</p><p>Five lucky students, from Weston College’s Automotive Career Excellence Hub, have been given the opportunity to gain paid work experience with Weston based company, ATS Euromaster.</p><p>ATS Euromaster offer a wide range of services, to help customers keep their car in peak, roadworthy condition.</p><p>The learners, who are studying Level 2 and Level 3 Motor Vehicle courses, have been impressing throughout staff at Weston College, throughout their studies.</p><p>Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, Chris Priest, said: “At Weston College we specialise in creating careers, not courses, and this will give our learners superb experience.</p><p>“Our learners are really excited to apply their knowledge that they have gained in their studies to real-world situations and gain practical experience that will help them in their future careers.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… you would like to find out more information about Automotive courses at Weston College, you can click here.</a></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from&nbsp;the Institute of Motors Industry</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">(IMI) for his outstanding success as&nbsp;a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes!&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award&quot;" data-align="right" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97bf7b57-b25b-4007-85e7-a0942fa7e855" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9b187397-97b1-478e-8532-22a485128119}{72}" paraid="1208974252" xml:lang="EN-GB">WorldSkills UK&nbsp;is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.&nbsp;Over 3,000&nbsp;learners&nbsp;registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in&nbsp;March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the&nbsp;top learners in the country.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{147}" paraid="632116090" xml:lang="EN-GB">After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare&nbsp;where he continues his career in automotive technology.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{232}" paraid="1715772793" xml:lang="EN-GB">Luke states:&nbsp;"Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{105}" paraid="482070947" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{80}" paraid="2092104593" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve Harvey, Head of Business at&nbsp;Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{229a9fec-0eed-4076-ac0c-e3c9582474b4}{102}" paraid="1159978829" xml:lang="EN-GB">Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{136}" paraid="654450139" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{85bb760a-469c-44e0-94a9-1b461a6001a1}{194}" paraid="972418085" xml:lang="EN-GB">Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{164}" paraid="975241476" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7c81eb9c-5810-4ffa-88f2-cf011e6eb9ce}{245}" paraid="1882477818" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills&nbsp;is just one&nbsp;of the&nbsp;exclusive&nbsp;opportunities available&nbsp;to learners&nbsp;through their&nbsp;newly launched&nbsp;Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits,&nbsp;which include&nbsp;WorldSkills competing opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b34342ef-d8d5-49a8-a368-66df3e6737c7}{152}" paraid="661974729" xml:lang="EN-GB">Congratulations Luke! &nbsp;</p>