Touring Car champ opens new £3.5m Telford College auto centre
Three-time British touring car champion Matt Neal has officially opened the new £3.5 million automotive engineering centre at Telford College of Arts and Technology.
The state-of-the-art centre, which can cater for up to 100 students at any one time, is the latest in a long line of investments at the fast-growing Wellington campus.
And Matt Neal, the 6ft 6ins driver who won the British touring car title in 2005, 2006 and 2011 said it was giving students the “best possible step on the ladder” for a thriving career.
He joined Telford College principal Chris Scott to unveil a plaque inside the building, before taking a tour of the new automotive centre.
A series of demonstrations and activities were held, including an engine strip-down masterclass, plus showcases of petrol and diesel fuel injection, air conditioning, and Snap-On diagnostics.
Matt also pitted his wits against some of the students on a motor racing simulator.
He said: “To see a facility like this, with the equipment that is in place, is wonderful. There is zero margin for error in motorsport, and we are desperately hungry for the best mechanics, engineers, designers, and people with key skills.
“This centre is offering students the best starting step on the ladder that there is. There were 1.5 million cars made in the UK last year, 80 per cent of which were exported. So the opportunities are there in the automotive industry.”
Mr Scott praised the “incredibly hard work” of the Telford College team who had helped to build and kit out the £3.5 million centre
He said the college’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) was aiming to play a significant part in making Telford a “powerhouse of economic regeneration”.
“We have seen a growth in the number of engineering students in recent years, and are particularly keen to provide skills for the 16-24 age group so they can make a contribution.”
Head of school, Jim Hillman, said the centre had strong links with major motor dealerships, and independent garages to supplement its on-site teaching facilities and classrooms.
“Facilities include general training provisions together with the latest automated test lane for MOTs, a chassis dynamometer, engine testing and fault diagnostics, computerised four-wheel alignment and Snap-On tools and equipment,” he said.
