Next Stop, Parkway! Bristol Airport Donates Mercedes Bus to Motor Vehicle Students
By Business Correspondent
Bristol Airport has donated a Mercedes 'bendy bus' to City of Bristol College’s Parkway Centre, to help students to learn hands-on industry skills.
The articulated bus may have reached the end of its service life at the airport, but the wheels on the bus are certainly still going round and round as it continues to help students with vital learning.
The bus has been in service for almost 20 years, shuttling customers who park their cars in the Silver Zone at the airport and employees who use the staff car park, to and from the terminal.
The donated bus means that students on all Motor Vehicle courses at City of Bristol College can gain hands on experience with an operational vehicle.
Not only will it be particularly helpful for students to practice on, but it will also be used for assessments, demonstrations, and on-going course work.
Cherie Marchant, People Director at Bristol Airport, said:
“It’s our pleasure to donate the bendy bus, as it will allow students the opportunity to work on real systems that are being used in the motor transport industry, which in turn helps pupils to build confidence. And employers will know students are absolutely ready to start their career and have a solid understanding of industry expectations.
“It also offers students exposure to large vehicle engineering. We hope it will help attract more pupils by offering standout, hands-on learning opportunities and contribute to long-term employment opportunities for people in the region.”
The donation will help support the development of skilled workers in key sectors such as transport, engineering and infrastructure and help address the regional skills shortage while supporting curriculum development aligned with real-world transport and engineering needs.
Luke Hastings, Business Partnerships Manager, from City of Bristol College added:
"Our heartfelt thanks to Bristol Airport for their generous gift of their Bus to City of Bristol College.
"This will truly support students at our Advanced Motor Vehicle Technology Centre to diversify their skills and understanding in maintaining Heavy Vehicles.
"City of Bristol College are proud to have a strong working partnership with Bristol Airport and look forward to carrying this forward into the future."
Partners in Bristol (a subsidiary of City of Bristol College) has an existing partnership with Bristol Airport through the ‘Take Off Programme’, which supports people back into employment.
The course covers CV writing, interview techniques, professional communication and workplace skills with a focus on customer service and a recognised qualification.
It includes hands-on experience with some of the airport’s business partners, as the students rotate across different departments. The programme takes four - six weeks to complete with various start dates throughout the year.
Since the programme launched last year, it has supported 15 people and seven have gained employment. The next opportunity is September.
For further information regarding the Motor Vehicle courses offered at the Motor Vehicle Technology Centre in Parkway, please click here.
Further information on apprenticeships and the Take Off programme can be found on the careers page of the airport’s website.
