The customised facility, based at the Wythenshawe campus of The Manchester College, will focus on bus, coach and HGV engineering. Not only will it support current apprentices and employers, but it will also provide higher vocational training for learners across LTE Group and in time, support new skills in green vehicle and electric vehicle technologies.
Helping to officially launch the hub on 13 May was former racing driver and TV presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson who visited the newly refurbished facilities and dedicated logistics bay.
Total People is set to create a hub for Bus, Coach and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) engineering apprenticeships both across the North West and nationally.
The dedicated training facility to the rear of the campus has been redesigned to meet the specific needs of the HGV curriculum. The investment includes:
- the installation of large roller shutter doors to accommodate large HGV vehicles
- a brand new mezzanine area for classroom-based learning
- new mechanical and electrical services installations which provide specialist ventilation, lighting, power and data.
In addition, learners can refine their industry-standard engineering skills on a Dennis Dart ADL model vehicle which has been donated by one of Total People’s employer partners, First Bus.
The redevelopment is part of the LTE Group’s £140m Estates Strategy, which is set to transform the city’s education provision. The strategy includes the building of a brand new Manchester city centre campus for Total People’s further education partner, The Manchester College, and higher education provider, UCEN Manchester.
Melanie Nicholson, Total People managing director, said: “Today’s launch marks a fantastic opportunity for all our bus, coach and HGV engineering apprentices who travel from across the country to access our excellent training programmes and high-quality provision.
Kevin Farricker, engineering manager for First Bus Manchester, which has three apprentices on Total People programmes, said: “The next generation of engineers are now working on the next generation of buses, as electric, hydrogen and other zero-emission engine technologies evolve. The need for knowledge and skills to support these vehicles will increase as First Bus and other operators invest in greener fleets to reduce carbon and improve air quality. Facilities like this one provide a tremendous opportunity to build a pipeline of highly skilled bus engineers.”