Hampshire-based Snows Motor Group has donated two cars to a school near Romsey for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the motor trade.
The vehicles were delivered to St Edward’s School in Sherfield English, which provides care and education for boys who are experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
A workshop has recently opened on the school’s campus for pupils to explore career opportunities in the automotive world.
The two teachers who run the facility, part of the school’s Practical Skills Centre, are Shaun Nicholson and Ben Allen, both of whom are also fully qualified mechanics.
The donated vehicles – a Volkswagen Passat and a Toyota Yaris – were acquired by Snows as part-exchanges, traded in by customers buying newer cars at one of the company’s 50 or so dealerships across southern and South West England.
Although their best days may be behind them, the cars will prove incredibly useful for pupils developing their fledgling motor repair and maintenance skills.
Students at St Edward’s work towards qualifications awarded by the Skills and Education Group, with an Award in Motor Vehicle Studies the first step towards a potential automotive career.
Nicholson said: ‘‘We aim to give our students the confidence, familiarity and foundational skills they need to progress once they have left us, with employment in the motor industry the ultimate goal for those who wish to follow that path.
‘‘The transition for pupils in our education sector to college or an apprenticeship can be difficult so anything that helps us help bridge that gap is incredibly valuable.
‘‘We are enormously grateful to Snows for supporting us with the donation of two cars for our workshop. They really will make a huge difference because our students need to work on as many different models as possible, and from a variety of manufacturers.
