MOTOR vehicle students are in the fast lane to success after taking delivery of a brand new Nissan Juke.
Pupils at the New Bridge Academy, Sunderland, are fulfilling their driving ambitions of studying the latest in technical motor vehicle skills after the donation of a five door, 1.6 litre, de-registered silver crossover from Nissan.
Motor vehicle, outdoor educational and behavioural management teacher at New Bridge Academy Paul Ramsay said: “I contacted Nissan to see if they were able to help us with our motor vehicle studies in any way and was absolutely blown away by their generosity when they offered to give us such an incredible training aid for our students.
“We have always used older vehicles in the past and have therefore being limited to technology which is six or seven years old, but this car will now allow us to look at much more modern engineering giving our students a cutting edge when it comes to pursuing motor mechanics as a possible future career.”
The specialist academy, which meets the needs of young people with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health issues, boasts a three car garage equipped with the latest machinery, including tyre changing equipment, air compressors and hydraulic ramps.
This allows students to learn the basics of mechanical technology, including brake systems, maintenance, cooling systems, battery charging, internal engine workings and health and safety.
New Bridge Academy students are able to select motor vehicle studies as one of a number of vocational courses from Year 10 onwards to gain a Level 1 certificate, providing them with specialist and transferable skills, which allow progression on to further qualifications or employment within the motor vehicle industry.
Matthew Fenwick, 14, of Sunderland, said: “I really like cars and have always wanted to work as a motor mechanic so it will be great to get to learn the basics of mechanical technology on such a brilliant car.
“Having a facility like this in our school really gives us an opportunity to get a head start before going to college.”
Brogan McCully, 14, of Sunderland, added: “I love cars and would really like to own a Nissan GTR one day.
“I will be signing up for the motor vehicle studies course next year and it is great that Nissan has given us such a quality car to help with our learning.”