Automotive students drive their way to success

Automotive apprentices at Dudley College of Technology have been celebrating three years of hard work as they completed their final assessments over the February half-term break.

Jack Payton (of Blakedown Automotive, aged 23), Nick Hobday (of Halesowen Motor House, aged 21) and Filip Filarowski (of the Netherton Motor Company, aged 20) achieved distinctions after recently completing their End Point Assessments. The End Point Assessment, which takes place when a learner has completed all on-programme learning consisted of a range of exams, including an online theory exam, skills test and finally, a one-to-one professional discussion with an IMI assessor that covers all of the work that learner has completed over the last three years.

The gruelling exam, which took four days to complete was overseen by a group of Independent Assessors from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

The skills test portion of the exam was a particular source of pressure for the learners.

Speaking about the trio’s challenge, Automotive lecturer Christopher White said:

“The minimum pass mark for the EPA is 70% and the learners were under close observation throughout the 11 hours skills test. During that time, the learners worked through five vehicles, each fitted with a complex fault that they have to diagnose, document and repair within an allocated time – which can be quite tough to say the least!”

Looking back on the intense exams period, Automotive Curriculum Manager Dennis Stephens said:

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to Jack, Nick and Filip on their hard work and the effort they put in to gain their distinctions. Setting up for the EPA required the department coming together to ensure that the workshops and vehicles are ready for the arrival of the IMI assessors, so I’d also like to thank the department for their show of support across the week!”

With the EPA behind them, all three learners are looking forward to a well-earned break before continuing employment at businesses across the region. – Congratulations to all!

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