New On-screen Training For Motor Industry Comes To Bristol

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 07, 2009 – A Bristol academy that trains people for the motor industry has introduced a new on-line method of learning where trainees can experience hundreds of aspects of fixing vehicles without getting their hands dirty or putting their head under a car bonnet.

A computer-based training aid developed by Electude International in Nuenen in Holland, has been brought to the S&B Automotive Academy in Princess Street, Bedminster, Bristol as a way of speeding up learning for the 500 students.

Trainee mechanics and auto-electricians can make decisions at the click of a mouse on a realistic computer-screen representation of an engine.

Just by clicking on screen they can take a cover off a component, make adjustments and the virtual vehicle behaves exactly as it would in real life. With 370 different training modules developed for the system it is proving invaluable and can be accessed from any computer.

Colin Lock, auto electrical lecturer at the S&B Automotive Academy said: “It is a fantastic system as it allows people to learn so many aspects of a motor vehicle and they can do a live test that is as good as working on a real vehicle.

“We give password-protected access to students so they can do homework and learn at their own pace and we can monitor their progress. Things like the ignition system on cars these days are so complex and by being able to work on-screen our trainees can learn fast.”

The Electude International system includes animations and simulations and is proving popular with this year’s young students as it is very like today’s realistic computer video games.

Working on-screen representations of common tools used – such as multimeters – allow students to learn how to use the common test machines in a realistic simulation. Testing for engine exhaust emissions, faults in the cooling or fuel injection system or electrical faults can also be carried out.  

Jon Winter, Chief Executive at S&B Automotive said: “We believe this is an important addition to our facilities and will work alongside our practical workshops and maintenance facilities.

“Sometimes it is better for a young trainee to work on screen and get to grips with a problem straight away rather than spend 30 minutes wrestling with an awkward cover on a vehicle component only to find he has removed the wrong cover!

“Modern cars, trucks and vans are highly technical and complex and computer-based learning reflects that complexity and allows trainees to learn quickly through our carefully planned programme.”

For details on the courses available at S&B Automotive Academy contact T: 0117 953 3001.
or go to http://www.sandbaa.com