CEMAST Secure Industry Jobs at Halfords for Top Automotive Students
CEMAST have teamed up with Halfords Garages to offer students the opportunity of securing part time jobs in the automotive industry through completing a week’s work experience.
As part of a new recruitment initiative at Halfords, CEMAST arranged for the employer to interview students who were interested in applying for a week’s work experience. A group of Halfords managers observed and questioned students whilst they showcased their knowledge and practical skills in the College’s automotive workshop.
Grant Hughes, Quality and Training Assessor at Halfords, said: “Watching them work in the workshop at CEMAST was absolutely amazing. They were great working on the cars and they all jumped in at the end to tidy up without prompting. That’s the attitude and dedication we are looking for. The lecturers at CEMAST deserve recognition for the great job they’ve done with their students.”
After seeing all the candidates, the managers agreed on five students to put forward for the work experience opportunity. The lucky five completed their week’s placement before being offered part time positions at local centres based in Fareham, Gosport, Hedge End, Eastleigh and Portsmouth. Tom Laskey, Level 2 Motor Vehicle student, said: “I was so excited when I found out that I had been selected. That’s the biggest goal when you go to college; you want to be known as the best!”
Paul Brimecome, Head of Engineering at CEMAST, adds: “Gaining hands on work experience while completing their course will ensure that they are ahead of the pack and ready to thrive in the industry after they finish College. It’s even better that they have secured part time jobs. It’s a great way to get their foot in the door with a nationally recognised employer that could evolve into full time work. I am really proud of our students.”
Zoe McLean, Level 3 Motor Vehicle student, said: “CEMAST have created such a great opportunity for us with such a big employer; I think this is something that CEMAST are excellent at. They build such great links with local businesses and big employers to provide us with a better future for when we leave college. They’ve given us all the skills and opportunities we need to succeed!”
Grant Hughes said: “This initiative is the first of its kind and is designed to find some of the best motor vehicle mechanics in the area. These students have been born into an age of technology and they are the future of our business so we want to invest in them. The students will be part of the team from the very beginning and we are looking forward to working with them.”
