An innovative new motorsport academy is inspiring young people into the diverse range of fields available within the motorsport industry, such as rallying and autograss at Coleg Sir Gar.
Run by Coleg Sir Gar ‘s Motor Vehicle Centre in Carmarthen, children aged between 13-15 have been learning a number of skills, including how to read and create their own rally Pacenotes, all within a 10 week course.
As part of the programme, youngsters met industry specialists such as GotBoost, who maintain and run Ginetta race cars. They learnt how to prepare a car for racing, from wheel changes to data logging. They also learnt about co-driving from the MSA Academy, how to read pace notes and experienced a Darrian T9 GTR stage rally car. The group also practiced road rally navigation, motocross, how to run a stage rally event, how to get into motorsport, scrutineering, chassis set-up and tyre technology, rolling road and rally car preparation.
Alan James, Coleg Sir Gar motor vehicle lecturer, who runs the college’s Motorsport Academy, said:
“It’s an exciting experience for young people who want to get involved and learn about the different disciplines within motorsport.
“I’d like to show our enormous appreciation to all our industry specialists for their professional input and time dedicated to inspiring and sharing their experiences with members of the academy who were very keen to learn.”
The next motorsport academy for 13-15 year-olds at Coleg Sir Gar will take place in mid-October on a Tuesday evening from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Following three years of development, on August 1st 2013 Coleg Sir Gar was formally dissolved as a Further Education Institution and a new entity created, Coleg Sir Gar, a limited company with charitable status.
This new entity was designated for the purpose of delivering further and higher education. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David a new Group structure was created with Coleg Sir Gar entering the group as a wholly owned subsidiary. In doing so a sustainable future is ensured for the college and more importantly greater opportunities for our learners.
In May 2013 Estyn arrived for a college wide inspection, generally good but in the areas of Partnerships, Literacy and Development and The Learning environment Coleg Sir Gar was deemed excellent. This helps in the colleges overall vision “To be Excellent”.
There has recently been a new building for Animal Science and Equine Studies at Pibwrlwyd. This is just one example of the broad and diverse teaching at Coleg Sir Gar
spanning from Entry Level to Graduate Qualifications. The 14-16 provision, in partnership with the Carmarthenshire Network of schools, apprenticeships working with business as part of work based learning provision.
Within Wales Coleg Sir Gar continue to be the lead college for success and participation in Skills Competitions. Managing on behalf of the Welsh Government the Skills Competitions Wales.
Coleg Sir Gar as based across 5 campuses across Carmarthenshire many purpose built to suit the studies delivered at that centre.
Contact Alan.james@colegsirgar.ac.uk or follow Coleg Sir Gar Motor Vehicle on Facebook.
For more information visit: ww.colegsirgar.ac.uk
