Vauxhall Powers Up The Academy Of Central Bedfordshire

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Jan 22, 2014: Appraised of the success of the new Academy of Central Bedfordshire in Houghton Regis, Vauxhall has presented two vehicles, engines and gearboxes to the organisation.

The Academy of Central Bedfordshire is an Alternative Provision Free School that opened in September last year on two sites in Bedfordshire, one in Stotfold and the other in Houghton Regis. The two sites have been significantly remodelled to create 'state of the art' bespoke vocational courses, one of which is motor vehicle engineering. The students, ranging from 11 to 16 years, work to attain qualifications for future employment.

‘It has been of huge benefit to the motor mechanics department to have been donated this equipment by Vauxhall. It has already been put to good use for teaching purposes’, said Peter Cohen, Executive Head Teacher for The Academy for Central Bedfordshire on the Kingsland Campus in Houghton Regis.

The students practice performing different tasks and procedures on the components, enabling them to successfully work towards achieving their Level 1 qualification in Vehicle Maintenance. The cars and equipment provide a hands-on basis for students to hone their skills and will be used for a number of years to come. Mr Cohen added: ‘One particular student commented to me - it's pretty cool to be in a place like this where we can work on brand new engines and practice fixing things on nice cars. A big thank you to Vauxhall for their generosity.’

‘Vauxhall supports education wherever it can’, said Cherie Denton, Vauxhall’s Community Relations Coordinator. ‘The Academy of Central Bedfordshire provides hands on learning which will assist young people to complete their courses. Through partnership working we hope to provide that link in the community that benefits us all.’