AUTOMOTIVE students at Wiltshire College & University Centre have taken part in a new Level 2 automotive skills competition designed to prepare them for the pace, standards and expectations of the modern motor industry.
Held at the Trowbridge campus, the competition placed students in a high-pressure, workshop-based environment that closely reflected real working conditions in a professional garage.
Teaching staff from the Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses each selected four of their students to compete, where they were tested on technical skills, teamwork and time management.
The event was organised by our Deputy Head for Engineering and Automotive, Gary Pearson, who built the competition around the Level 2 automotive specification and focused on the practical skills employers expect from new entrants to the industry.
Each team were required to complete three demanding tasks:
- Removing and refitting front brakes
- Removing and refitting a clutch on an engine rig
- Removing and replacing rear shock absorbers
All with a strict one-hour time limit for each activity.
“This competition was all about preparing students for the reality of the automotive industry,” said Gary Pearson. “In a real garage, you’re working to deadlines, solving problems under pressure and relying on teamwork to get the job done safely and to a high standard. Experiences like this help our students develop the confidence, professionalism and resilience employers are looking for.”
Students praised the competition for its realism and the opportunity to work collaboratively under pressure.
JP, an automotive student based at Trowbridge, said: “It was fun, different and engaging. Working together at a fast pace really made it feel like a real job in a garage.”
Robbie, also from Trowbridge, added that he enjoyed ‘competing against other campuses’ and described the event as ‘a great experience overall’. Many students said the experience left them feeling more confident and better prepared for future employment in the sector.
After a closely contested competition, the Trowbridge team emerged as overall winners, with each student presented with a professional toolkit, generously donated by Melksham Motor Spares, supporting their progression into industry.
Skills competitions form a key part of our commitment to preparing students for employment – by developing technical competence, confidence and workplace-ready behaviours.
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