S&B has also recently become the first UK training provider to successfully undertake the Capability and Performance Assessment as part of the brand new Training Excellence stamp, which has replaced the government’s previous Training Quality Stamp.
 

With such achievement being recognised, it is no wonder the Academy has expanded its premises, in a joint mission to engage, excite and prepare the UK’s next generation of engineers and technicians, with the official opening of a state-of-the-art automotive technology centre.
 

The ‘blast-off’ ceremony for the Academy’s £1million facility was performed by Richard Noble OBE, project leader of the Bloodhound SSC (SuperSonic Car) team, also based in Bristol, which is preparing for its 1,000 mph world land speed record attempt in South Africa during 2013.
 

Celebrating over 40 years as a leading light in apprentice training for the retail motor and passenger transport industries, S&B Automotive Academy’s ambitions align perfectly with the endeavours of the Bloodhound SSC’s ‘Engineering Adventure’, in its quest to push boundaries, challenge and inspire young people into careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
 

To get school pupils actively involved, S&B has become the first Bloodhound Education Centre in the South of England. It has dedicated one of its workshops to the project, transforming it into a ‘Bloodhound’ classroom for hosting a range of three day ‘taster’ courses in engineering and technology for local schools.
The schools had turned out in large numbers, coaches filling the car park, with multicoloured uniforms wandering around; students were taking part in the education centre’s activities and listening to the erudite Richard Noble.
 

Jon Winter, S&B’s chief executive said, ‘The Bloodhound project is truly a global challenge, being led by British engineers and technicians. It’s the perfect showcase for inspiring young people to study STEM subjects beyond their formative education, as there’s a major shortage of scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the UK. We’re delighted to be part of the Bloodhound Project and being based in Bristol as well makes it all the more appropriate.  Having Richard open our fantastic new centre is the icing on the cake for the Academy and we will be doing our bit to support the team every step of the way towards its record attempt.’
Record breaking
 

Speaking to over 150 VIP guests, employers, apprentices and S&B staff, Richard Noble said, ‘I’m really proud to be here for the opening at S&B Automotive Academy which is providing a much needed resource and is an important first indicator of the necessary big changes in our country. I’m also delighted to announce the opening of the Bloodhound Education Centre which is a part of the academy and where Bloodhound followers can come to learn much more about the design, development and build of the world’s fastest car.
‘This Education Centre is going to be vital when we run the supersonic car in South Africa in 2013 and 2014. All the data from the vehicle will be available live for study and this is to be Bristol’s centre where it can all be followed and interpreted.’
 

As an added bonus, two of the Academy’s apprentice learners have been selected as Event Ambassadors for the Bloodhound project. They will be part of a volunteer team providing support at various public engagements around the UK to promote the initiative.
 

Also, one of the first organisations in the UK to achieve the Training Excellence stamp, S&B has set its sights on further improvements to its attainment levels. The investment in its new training centre will enable the Academy to increase apprentice numbers by a further 20% per year.
 

bodyshop was lucky enough to have a tour of the new facilities with David Westlake, who was clearly delighted with the updated premises. The gym, training rooms and conference centre all felt fresh and open: the ideal environment for learning. New technology was also apparent with interactive white boards adorning the walls, keeping up-to-date with the changing ways people expect to learn and be taught.
 

The layout of some of the offices has also changed with senior management meetings now taking place in Jon’s office, another indication of the modern and integrated work styles S&B has adopted, and also a positive interaction with the building design making it work for the method of managing.  
 

Competition
 

S&B Automotive Academy won this year’s bodyshop award in the Education and Training category with a truly high score from the judges. Out of ten assessment requirements, S&B managed to score full marks in five; they were praised for their broad range of courses, which cover all apprenticeships, all levels and all ATA routes.
 

S&B was also praised for the company’s highly competent marketing ability (which includes their new partnership with Bloodhound SSC), strong learning experience, high level of success measurement and outstanding staff CPD.
 

The other categories were noted as having many successes, including a commitment to the industry, constant self improvement and good customer communication. They use netcam, which allows remote learning and assessment, with its clear image capture and video display, it can be also be used for evidence portfolios. The freedom of the technology allows sessions to be booked by the students at their convenience and also accommodates space for conversation to take place during assessments.
 

A further use of the netcam technology was in the Jericho project, which is funded by the LSIS (Learning and Skills Improvement Service) Flexibility and Innovation fund. The project has enabled S&B to host virtual workplace visits at schools, which allows potential apprentices to exchange real world information about the benefits of apprenticeships with existing apprentices, their employers and skilled employees. 
 

Jon said, ‘All of us at S&B Automotive Academy are delighted to win this year’s bodyshop Education & Training Award. We were in excellent company and all the finalists exemplified the best of the best. Our body repair team has delivered a spectacular job over the past year, always going the extra mile for our learners and employer customers. This award is testament to all the Academy’s efforts in generating record apprenticeship achievers.’
 

The bodyshop award comes after another accolade, the IMI’s Oustanding Approved Centre of the Year. Alan Mackrill, Managing Director, IMI Awards, said: ‘S&B Automotive Academy has followed through its long term vision from its early roots and has consistently evolved into the award winning organisation it is today. The passion and enthusiasm of all staff at S&B truly make them ambassadors for the automotive industry.’
 

This is further evidence of S&B’s passion and drive towards a better future of more capable training and more experienced apprentices.