Automotive Academy triumphs at global education and learning 'Oscars'

May 31, 2011 - PRLog -- The development of ground-breaking technology to assess apprentices in the workplace via the internet has earned Bristol, UK, based training provider, S&B Automotive Academy, a medal of excellence at the international education and training industry’s 2011 ‘Oscars’ in California.

Designed to recognise and reward outstanding applications of technology that address challenges facing the global learning community, the annual Global Learning Consortium Awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from educational institutions and corporations worldwide.

Developed in partnership with the Western Training Provider Network, S&B Automotive Academy’s pioneering ‘Project Jericho’ system also enables school pupils to learn about careers in the motor industry through ‘virtual visits’. It beat off stiff competition from over 200 finalists to win a Bronze medal.

The Academy was singled out for its pioneering initiative to harness internet enabled wireless cameras, ‘Net Cams’, to facilitate ‘on demand’ assessment which for many years has been a major barrier to workplace learning.

By utilising web based technology, the Academy aims to reduce physical workplace assessment by 25% during 2011 with a further reduction of 25% in 2012. Besides cutting costs, the system will also enable S&B to cut its carbon footprint significantly.

During the judging process, the Academy carried out a demonstration of the system with a simulated assessment at S&B’s training workshop in Bristol. Microphone enabled, judges could view a candidate performing a particular task and hold a two-way conversation.

Commenting on achieving global recognition, Jon Winter, Chief Executive, S&B Automotive Academy, said:

“Achieving a medal is a tremendous achievement for the Academy and one that has placed us firmly on the global training and education map. Project Jericho has proven how technology can actively benefit the learning process, as well as helping organisations reduce costs and carbon emissions. We are absolutely thrilled at such international recognition and look forward to working with schools and employers in showcasing careers in the automotive sector and improving the Apprenticeship journey.”

ENDS

http://www.sandbaa.com

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