A new Seat Leon is perfect for learners

Sporty Spanish car maker SEAT is helping to train the technicians of tomorrow after donating one of its most popular models for use by motor vehicle maintenance students.

The SEAT Leon 1.9 TDI will act as a valuable training tool for the 100-plus students who work towards Institute of the Motor Industry qualifications at the at South Cheshire College’s recently-opened and fully-equipped workshop.

Until now the students have been used to honing their mechanical skills on old vehicles donated to the college by local scarp yards.  But the advanced technology on board SEAT’s popular family hatchback now allows them to work on more modern disciplines such as computer diagnostics, air conditioning servicing, ABS braking systems and multiplex wiring.

Martyn Johnson, Course Team Leader in the college’s motor vehicle department, said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled that SEAT has donated this vehicle as it will make such an impact on the training we’re able to give our students.

‘Obviously we teach all of the very latest techniques but, in reality, there’s no substitute for being able to get hands-on with a really up-to-date model.’

The donation of the Leon came about after College Governor Uwe Koch, Director of IT at luxury car maker Bentley, approached his colleagues at sister brand SEAT’s UK headquarters.

After scouring their fleet, SEAT tracked down a suitable model which had been used by staff travelling around the company’s huge factory on the outskirts of Barcelona since rolling off the production line.

Presenting the car to the college David Ardern, Used Car Manager at SEAT UK, said: ‘I’ve been really impressed by the workshop set-up at South Cheshire College, but the students there will only achieve their full potential if they have the appropriate vehicles to work on.

‘As a brand, we are totally committed to training and development and our apprenticeship programme, which sees young technicians train on the job at our dealerships across the country, is recognised as one of the best in the industry.

‘But not every would-be technician is lucky enough to secure an apprenticeship of this sort and so the training provided by South Cheshire College and others is vital to ensure we have a steady supply of technicians who can deliver the highest standards of aftersales care for our customers well into the future.’