Land speed record holder Richard Noble OBE opens new BLOODHOUND Education Centre and Academy’s £1million training facility

A joint mission to engage, excite and prepare the UK’s next generation of engineers and technicians, has taken a leap forward today with the official opening of a state-of-the-art automotive technology centre at leading independent training provider, S&B Automotive Academy in Bedminster, Bristol.

The ‘blast-off’ ceremony for the Academy’s £1million facility was performed by Richard Noble OBE, project leader of the BLOODHOUND SSC (SuperSonic Car) team, also based in Bristol, which is preparing for its 1,000 mph world land speed record attempt in South Africa during 2013.

Celebrating over 40 years as a leading light in apprentice training for the retail motor and passenger transport industries, S&B Automotive Academy’s ambitions align perfectly with the endeavours of the BLOODHOUND SSC’s ‘Engineering Adventure’, in its quest to push boundaries, challenge and inspire young people into careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

To get school pupils actively involved, the Academy has become the first BLOODHOUND Education Centre in the South of England. It has dedicated one of its workshops to the project, transforming it into a ‘BLOODHOUND’ classroom for hosting a range of three day ‘taster’ courses in engineering and technology for local schools.

Jon Winter, S&B’s Chief Executive said:
“The BLOODHOUND project is truly a global challenge, being led by British engineers and technicians. It’s the perfect showcase for inspiring young people to study STEM subjects beyond their formative education, as there’s a major shortage of scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the UK. We’re delighted to be part of the BLOODHOUND Project and being based in Bristol as well makes it all the more appropriate.  Having Richard open our fantastic new centre is the icing on the cake for the Academy and we will be doing our bit to support the team every step of the way towards its record attempt.”

Speaking to over 150 VIP guests, employers, apprentices and Academy staff, Richard Noble said:
“I’m really proud to be here for the opening at S&B Automotive Academy which is providing a much needed resource and is an important first indicator of the necessary big changes in our country. I’m also delighted to announce the opening of the BLOODHOUND Education Centre which is a part of the academy and where BLOODHOUND followers can come to learn much more about the design, development and build of the world’s fastest car. This Education Centre is going to be vital when we run the supersonic car in South Africa in 2013 and 2014. All the data from the vehicle will be available live for study and this is to be Bristol’s centre where it can all be followed and interpreted.”

As an added bonus, two of the Academy’s apprentice learners have been selected as Event Ambassadors for the BLOODHOUND project. They will be part of a volunteer team providing support at various public engagements around the UK to promote the initiative.

S&B recently announced record annual achievement levels for its Apprenticeships in its forty year history, which position the specialist training provider at the top of the UK rankings for the motor industry. Figures show an overall success rate of 95% in Vehicle Body and Paint compared with a national benchmark figure of 60%. For learners registered on the Advanced Apprenticeship, the Academy achieved a maximum 100% completion rate.

Also, one of the first organisations in the UK to achieve the Training Excellence stamp, S&B Automotive Academy has set its sights on further improvements to its attainment levels. The investment in its new training centre will enable the Academy to increase apprentice numbers by a further 20% per year. 
 

News release issued by Blackbird Communications on behalf of S&B Automotive Academy. For further information please contact: Stuart Brooks on 01727 899488 or 0780 3153329 – stuartb@blackbirdcommunications.co.uk