Meet the teachers
Get to know to know a bit more about your teachers before you join us.
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Kit list
Find out what equipment and resources you'll need before you join as a West Notts student.
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Gallery
Students enjoyed a weekend of great sounds and speed as they witnessed one of the most prestigious and popular supercar racing events on the Donington Park National Circuit.
Students at the Engineering Innovation Centre were able to watch a mock road traffic collision scenario thanks to Ashfield Fire Station, to highlight the kind of dangers that young drivers can face on the roads today.
Students swapped the college’s workshops and classrooms for a day of supercars and speed – as they witnessed one of the most prestigious and popular racing events on the Donnington Park National Circuit, in the lead up to the GT Cup Championship.
Students studying motor vehicle learned about life and careers in the Armed Forces, courtesy of talks and presentations as well as a team based activity to get involved in.
Students benefitted from specialist knowledge from Brembo, a world leader in the design, development and production of braking systems and components. They gained much needed industry knowledge and development and learned about not using copper grease on braking components.
Students benefitted from specialist knowledge from Brembo, a world leader in the design, development and production of braking systems and components. They gained much needed industry knowledge and development and learned about not using copper grease on braking components.
Used to getting their hands dirty, West Nottinghamshire College’s automotive engineering students experienced alternative practical learning, following a visit from the leading provider of automotive e-learning solutions.
Used to getting their hands dirty, West Nottinghamshire College’s automotive engineering students experienced alternative practical learning, following a visit from the leading provider of automotive e-learning solutions.
FAQs - motor vehicle courses
The following information will hopefully give you a little bit more of an insight into what it will be like to be a student with us.
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Where will I study?
All of our engineering, motor vehicle, and fabrication and welding courses are based at our Engineering Innovation Centre at Oddicroft Lane in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. This is a specialist centre for trades within these industries, containing a combination of workshops and classrooms. The site is near the Sutton Parkway railway station and is easily accessible by public transport. There is very limited parking on site.
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What is it like?
Oddicroft Lane is a professional environment intended to prepare you to work in industry. We expect students to conduct themselves as they would in the world of work. Attendance and punctuality are very important. We have a lot of tools and equipment within the workshops that could be dangerous if not used properly. Therefore, we have very high expectations in terms of behaviour and attitude.
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What will I study?
You will study a mixture of practical sessions in a workshop and more traditional theory sessions in a classroom. The higher the level of programme, the more theory-based work you will be expected to do. It is important though you understand that you will not be in a practical workshop all the time. Your practical work will be assessed but you will also have to submit written assignments and exams as part of your course.
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What about English and maths?
If you start at college and you haven’t yet achieved your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, then you will continue to study these alongside your chosen course. At the end of your first year you will take a re-sit GCSE exam. It is important you attend your English and maths lessons alongside your chosen course.
Take a look at our fact sheets to find out why English and maths is important within this industry.
View English and maths fact sheets
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What will I have to wear?
In workshops we expect you to wear steel toe-capped safety boots, overalls and in some areas safety glasses and/or ear defenders. This is what you will have to wear in industry. In classrooms you can wear your normal clothes. We expect you to change out of your safety boots and work overalls before using the canteens and classrooms so that they are kept clean and tidy.
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Will I have to do a work placement?
At levels 2 and 3 you will be expected to complete a work placement. The central work placement team will help you find one. This will be with an engineering company or garage in the area and is a great way for you to get your foot in the door, impress an employer and potentially move into a job or apprenticeship as a result. We have great links with local employers and have a lot of apprentices studying on-site with us.
All of our students will be able to also get engaged with our learning companies, which provide in-house opportunities to gain real-world experience. This year students have started their vehicle maintenance and repair service for members of staff and have offered winter checks and valeting services, to name but a few.