A group of seven Year 11 Students are working on a Pearson BTEC in Construction (QCF) and ABC Level 1 Award in Automotive Studies at Bishop Auckland College. This is equivalent to one GCSE qualification.

As part of the course, students attend a practical Construction workshop on a Monday afternoon and a Motor Vehicle workshop each Tuesday, to develop hands-on skills in both specialisms.

In the Construction workshop, students are currently working on designing and constructing a wooden stool. Students have been taught how to use various tools and equipment to help them understand and develop skills in the basics of carpentry.

In the Motor Vehicle workshop, students are learning the skills and gaining the knowledge required to work in a garage environment. The students have been working on such units as House Keeping in a Garage, Health and Safety, the Components and Devices of a Car, the Structure of an Engine and Employment, whilst learning how to assemble and dissemble a car.

All students are currently enjoying and excelling in the two courses; most have a particular interest in motor vehicles and look set to achieve a promising future in the sector.