Automotive students at Wiltshire College & University Centre have taken part in a new Level 2 skills competition designed to mirror the pace and pressure of the modern motor industry.
Held at the college’s Trowbridge campus, the event placed students in a fast-paced workshop environment that closely reflected real working conditions in a professional garage.
Teams from the Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses each selected four students to compete, testing their technical ability, teamwork and time management under pressure.
The competition was organised by Gary Pearson, Deputy Head for Engineering and Automotive at Trowbridge, and was built around the Level 2 automotive specification, focusing on the practical skills employers expect from new entrants to the industry.
Each team was challenged to complete three demanding tasks within strict one-hour time limits: removing and refitting front brakes, removing and refitting a clutch on an engine rig, and removing and replacing rear shock absorbers.
Gary Pearson said, “This competition was all about preparing students for the reality of the automotive industry. In a real garage, you’re working to deadlines, solving problems under pressure and relying on teamwork to get the job done safely and to a high standard.”
He added that experiences like this help students develop the confidence, professionalism and resilience employers are looking for.
Students praised the competition for its realism and collaborative approach. JP Preece, 18, an automotive student from Westbury, said, “It was fun, different and engaging. Working together at a fast pace really made it feel like a real job in a garage.”
Robbie Telfer, 22, from Frome, said he enjoyed ‘competing against other campuses’ and described the event as ‘a great experience overall’. Many students said the experience left them feeling more confident and better prepared for future employment.
After a closely contested competition, the Trowbridge team emerged as overall winners. Each student received a professional toolkit generously donated by Melksham Motor Spares, supporting their progression into the industry.
The college also praised staff across campuses for supporting the event, preparing activities and championing the initiative.
Skills competitions form a key part of Wiltshire College & University Centre’s commitment to developing technical competence, confidence and workplace-ready behaviours.
Find out more at www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
