Lord Montagu welcomed students and volunteers from the Mechanix project for a presentation in the National Motor Museum, to celebrate the students’ successful completion of the course.
The six students, aged between 14-17 and with no prior car mechanic experience, were presented with their award certificates by Lord Montagu, having successfully renovated a 2001 Volkswagen Golf as the main focus of their course.
Learning essential car maintenance and repair activities, the students split their time between workshop learning, and working on their CVs and career-building skills. All students attained an Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development for the Automotive Environment (Level 3) from the Institute of the Motor Industry upon completing the course.
The car, which was in poor condition when chosen as a project vehicle, has been transformed with repairs to improve its engine running, as well as upgraded brakes, suspension and wheels. As testament to the hard work of the students, the Volkswagen has just passed its MOT.
With the car positioned inside the National Motor Museum next to James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, Rev’d Peter Toller of St Andrew’s Church in Dibden Purlieu – which organised the project – praised the efforts of the students, saying: “I hope today is a special moment for you, that you will remember for the rest of your lives. Today is certainly a celebration of all that you’ve achieved.”
Major local businesses including ExxonMobil Fawley, Draper Tools, and Shawfix Autos played a pivotal role in supporting the course.
