Japanese
Motor Vehicle Apprentices
at Dealerships in York
Since 2006 York College
and the Nihon Automobile
Technical School (NATS)
in Japan have worked
together to provide an
English Study Abroad
Programme for high calibre
Japanese Motor Vehicle
students. The programme
is a once in a life time
opportunity for the students
to study abroad, improve
their English, gain invaluable
experience of the European
motor trade (by placing
them in locally approved
dealerships) and gain
real work experience
in a commercial environment.
The Japanese students
have been at York College
since July. After a six
week intensive English
summer school and getting
to know their host families
around York, they met
with their host dealerships
in York, namely; Polar
Ford, Defries Honda,
Chapmans Volvo and Armstrong
Massey.
After spending six weeks
with the LOTUS Group,
in Norfolk, they started
a programme of study
at York College, spending
three days a week in
a dealership and two
days studying an English
Language programme and
working with the York
College Motor Vehicle
department.
By working along side
other Motor Vehicle students
at York College, the
Japanese students appreciated
the requirements of European
Health & Safety legislation
and practice, and the
differences between the
two teaching and learning
environments.
Whilst with the dealerships
the students took on
a full range of work
experience commensurate
with UK students following
an Institute of the Motor
Industry (IMI) Level
2 course. Each student
had a mentor within the
dealership who was responsible
for their support and
guidance whilst on placement.
They were also assigned
a tutor/assessor from
York College who supported,
guided and assessed them
in their achievement
of the qualification.
Jason Holt, Service
Manager, Polar Ford York
says: “This is the 3rd
year we have provided
work experience placements
to students from the
NATS college in Japan.
We have found the program
works very well for all
involved. The attitude,
ability and enthusiasm
of the students is excellent.
They are very keen to
learn both mechanical
and english skills and
working with our technicians,
assisting them with all
aspects of vehicle repair
helps them to gain confidence
in both these areas.
The support from York
College is also very
good, with weekly visits
to check on the students
progress and also taking
them through the IMI
qualification. Our team
at Polar Ford enjoy and
appreciate
having the students around,
they are a denfinate
benefit to our business.”
Lisa Rowntree, Head
of Division for Engineering
at York College says:
“The study abroad programme
is not only a superb
course for the NATS Japanese
Motor Vehicle students
to develop their understanding
of the European motor
trade, but is also a
very valuable opportunity
for our York College
students and tutors to
share, compare and understand
the differences between
the Japanese education
system and work ethic,
and the UK.”
Photo: The Press, York
Press Release: 28/01/09
Note
The Nihon Automobile
College, also known
as Nihon Automobile
Technical School (NATS)
has been in existence
for 18 years and is
an outstanding and
prestigious independent
motor vehicle college
situated near Narita
International Airport,
Tokyo. It has a student
population of over
1000, offering courses
at Levels 1,2,3 & 4.
NATS is a ‘state of
the art’ Motor Vehicle
training centre; www.nats.ac.jp
– with incredible facilities
which include a full
test track. |
