Automotive tool brand Draper and successful BTCC team EXCELR8 Motorsport kicked off the new academic year by meeting hundreds of apprentices and aspiring mechanics and engineers on a tour of several educational facilities.
Kicking off at Shrewsbury Colleges Group in September, the series of pop-up events saw the two brands bringing BTCC driver Nick Halstead’s car to each location, allowing the students to get up close to a real-life race car and find out about being a race technician or engineer. Alongside this, the students were able to put their mechanics skills to the test with Draper’s interactive ‘Find the 10mm Socket’ game as well as get hands on with the company’s wide range of automotive tools and equipment. There were also chances for the students to win prizes on the day, as well as an ultimate mechanics tool kit giveaway to enter.
Commenting on the event, Andrew Lee, Director of Employer Engagement at Shrewsbury Colleges Group said:
“Having the continued support of EXCELR8 and Draper at the start of each year during our induction week, really kicks the new term off with a bang. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from the students who enjoyed the chance to find out more about careers in motorsport, and of course, they loved the games and giveaways from Draper too. The hands on experience and the engaging sessions really inspired them and got them thinking about where their qualifications could take them in future.”
The series of pop-up events is part of an annual education programme from EXCELR8, supported by Draper, and went on to include visits to the automotive departments at Chesterfield College, Barnsley College and the University of Derby. Fran Weeks, PR & Partnerships Manager for Draper Tools commented:
“We know that skills shortages are a real issue facing the future of the sector, so together with EXCELR8, we’re keen to play our part in supporting and nurturing the next generation going into the automotive industry. It really was great to connect with so many future mechanics and engineers, we hope they all had fun whilst finding out a bit more about tools and maintaining race cars. More than that, we also hope it has helped get the students excited about their future careers. We’re grateful to the colleges for hosting us and want to wish the students all the best as they embark on their automotive journeys.”
Draper Tools, which was a sponsor of this year’s National Apprentice Week, regularly supports the educational sector with tours, tooling advice and giveaways for students. While EXCELR8 Motorsport provides students with valuable work experience opportunities with its team of race technicians.
Justina Williams, Team Owner at EXCELR8 said:
“What great events with the Colleges and University yet again in 2024 promoting the Education Programme, helping to inspire and encourage the student to learn through being spurred on by where they could be in the future as part of the EXCELR8 team with their Draper Tools in the BTCC to get the best job done!”
Find out more by following Draper Tools and EXCELR8 on social media.
Source: Tyretradenews
