College welcomes back ex-trainee

There was something of a homecoming when Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) hosted the latest Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) regional network meeting.

For among the 70 or so delegates being welcomed to the new Advanced Technology Centre was a certain IMI manager whom the College had trained 25 years ago.

Paul Whiteside, quality and compliance manager, was at the event to open proceedings and speak to the IMI Approved Centre attendees about how the IMI could support them.

Joining him were several IMI colleagues and the DVSA to deliver a programme which included a focus on changes to the new MOT testers accreditation and product development.

Paul, an automotive apprentice at B&FC back in 1989, said, ‘Blackpool and the College had a good reputation for motor vehicle training back as far as I can remember, but nothing like the great facilities that are here today. This a massive leap forward.’

Michelle Riley, automotive training manager at Blackpool and The Fylde College, added, ‘This was a really informative event and the feedback from delegates was very positive.

‘The College is looking to add to its portfolio by becoming accredited with the IMI as a trainer of MOT testers, so the wealth of industry information we’ve been able to pick up today should stand us in good stead.’