PROFILE

Transporting Yorkshire into a cleaner, greener future

Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure is at a crucial point in its recovery from Covid-19 as many of the government’s previous restrictions have now been lifted and more people start to travel within the region.

It is therefore vital to provide more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to keep the region moving. Greg O’Shea, Head of Construction and Engineering at Bradford College, said: “New laws and the climate emergency means that the future of the car industry is ‘all electric’. At Bradford College, we’ve transformed our curriculum to get ahead of the curve and prepare our students for the greener garages of the future.” Bradford College is training and educating the sustainable transport workforce of the future through the Future Technologies Centre. The centre is an education, research and skills training framework designed by the college to support the growth of technology and low carbon skills. It is made up of a number of hubs representing key sectors for the future, including the Sustainable Transport Hub. The college has built an international partnership with Lucas Nuelle, which develops state of the art training systems and education equipment, and The Institute of the Motor Industry. This partnership aims to provide students with the latest electric vehicle training technology, so they can learn how to repair and maintain hybrid and electric vehicles. This hyper-realistic training environment allows students and IMIaccredited Halfords Autocentre apprentices to develop their green energy skills safely. They use technology for diagnostics and fault finding, building their confidence before moving to work on our fleet of electric vehicles and applying their skills in a real-world setting. This all takes place under the supervision of expert teachers and employer masterclass instructors. The courses at Bradford College are available for school leavers and apprentices, alongside a full range of short courses on Hybrid/Electric Vehicles and ADAS - tailor-made for the after-market sector. Experienced mechanics also need upskilling in the latest technology, which is why Bradford College has a range of attendance options for classes, from days and evenings to delivering training in the workplace. Greg said: “Together we can future proof your business and play our part in making a greener, cleaner Bradford.” Businesses across the region now have the chance to be part of this project and help develop the sustainable transport workforce of the future. If you are an employer and would like to work with us, you can contact Greg O’Shea at G.OShea2@bradfordcollege.ac.uk