The partnership between Lancashire motor dealer Bowker BMW and Blackburn College continues to flourish through work placement and Apprenticeship opportunities for students.
The long-standing partnership – first signed in 2015 – has led to a continual stream of Motor Vehicle students accessing work experience and learning on the job through the Bowker BMW Apprenticeship programme.
And the partnership has been further strengthened, after Bowker provided the College with a BMW car which the students can use to study as part of their course. The BMW is on display in the College’s showroom, providing Bowker with greater exposure and maximizing potential advertising opportunities.
The Bowker BMW Apprenticeship programme offers College students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train alongside master technicians, with several Blackburn College students having already gone on to employment with Bowker BMW.
Stewart Rose, Services Manager at Bowker BMW, is a true advocate of supporting students. Stewart said: “The work placement and Apprenticeship opportunities provide an opportunity to view potential employees over time with a view to recruiting.
“Apprenticeship programmes are important for all industries. We’ve chosen to partner with Blackburn College for many years to take advantage of their wealth of experience in looking after and developing students.”
Student Awais Akram, who is currently studying on the Motor Vehicle Level 2 course at Blackburn College and has successfully completed his 9-week work placement with Bowker BMW, said: “I’ve enjoyed the experience, it’s really expanded my knowledge. Tutors at Blackburn College set up the work placement for me and were really supportive throughout.
“I hope to move on to the Motor Vehicle Level 3 course and then set up my own garage business.”
Owen Camb, who studies Motor Vehicle Level 2, is next in line for his work placement and is enjoying the balance of studying at the College and having the opportunity of work placements.
Owen said: “The course is really hands on and you can access all the excellent facilities. The staff are great, they really help you and set up the work placement for you.
“My 8-week work placement starts in March and I’m looking forward to learning new skills and gaining knowledge and experience. My aim is to become a Vehicle Mechanic in The Army.”
Blackburn College is currently celebrating the best results in four years, under the leadership of Dr Fazal Dad who took up the position of Principal and Chief Executive at the Feilden Street College in January 2019.
Prospective students are advised to make an application for September 2020 as soon as possible at www.blackburn.ac.uk.
