Building an Automotive Training Workshop That Mirrors Industry

Bradford College has invested more than £1 million into its new Junction Mills automotive training facility, creating a purpose-built environment where students can gain practical experience using the type of garage equipment, vehicle lifts and MOT testing equipment found in professional workshops.

As part of the development, JHM Butt & Co Ltd was selected to supply and install a comprehensive package of automotive workshop equipment.

For Bradford College, the objective was not simply to replace its previous workshop. The College wanted to create an industry-standard automotive training workshop that would better prepare students for employment across modern garages, dealerships, MOT stations and vehicle service centres.

Stephen Smith, Head of Engineering at Bradford College, explained that one of the main objectives was for the new facility to “mirror industry”, allowing students to train on machinery and workshop equipment similar to what they will encounter once they enter employment.

Moving From a Retrofitted Workshop to a Purpose-Built Facility

Bradford College’s previous motor vehicle workshop had supported students for many years, but it was not originally designed as a dedicated automotive training facility.

The operation was spread across three separate units, which created challenges when moving vehicles, equipment and groups of students between different areas. Vehicle movements could interrupt lessons, while the existing layout made it harder to adapt the workshop around different practical sessions.

Junction Mills provided the opportunity to design the new motor vehicle training workshop around the requirements of students, lecturers and modern vehicle technology from the outset.

Workshop flow, health and safety, vehicle access and flexibility were all important considerations when specifying the new equipment.

Industry-Standard Garage Equipment

JHM Butt supplied and installed equipment across the new workshop, including a Class 4 ATL MOT bay, vehicle lifting equipment, tyre care equipment and general workshop machinery.

The installation included five recessed Ravaglioli scissor lifts, sometimes referred to as flush-fit vehicle lifts or garage ramps. Installing the scissor lifts into the workshop floor means the platforms sit flush when lowered, helping create a clearer working area for moving vehicles and students around the workshop.

This flexibility was an important part of Bradford College’s specification. Stephen explained that the workshop needed to be adaptable so students could access the vehicles and resources required for different lessons at the right time.

A Ravaglioli EV 2-post lift, also commonly referred to as a two-post ramp or 2-post vehicle lift, was installed to provide additional lifting capability and support training around electric and modern vehicles.

The workshop also includes multiple Teco tyre changers and Supalign by Teco wheel balancers, giving students hands-on experience with equipment used every day in professional tyre bays and vehicle workshops.

Hands-On MOT Inspection and Testing

Vehicle inspection and testing also forms an important part of the facility.

The dedicated Class 4 ATL MOT bay gives students exposure to the layout and equipment found within a professional MOT testing station.

This includes equipment used for vehicle inspection, brake testing, headlamp testing and emissions testing, helping students understand not only how individual machines operate, but how the complete MOT testing process fits together within a working garage.

Giving students access to real MOT bay equipment and vehicle testing equipment during their training reduces the gap between classroom learning and the working environment they will encounter once employed.

Designed for Modern Vehicle Technology

Automotive training is also having to evolve alongside changes in the vehicles entering UK workshops.

Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, diagnostics and emerging technologies such as hydrogen are changing the skills expected of vehicle technicians. Bradford College wanted Junction Mills to reflect that change.

Alongside the main garage workshop equipment, the wider facility incorporates resources for EV training, hybrid vehicle training, electrical systems and hydrogen technology, allowing students to gain experience with technologies increasingly encountered across the automotive industry.

Stephen highlighted how quickly the sector has changed, particularly around electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, and the importance of giving students hands-on experience before they enter the workplace.

Helping Students Hit the Ground Running

Ultimately, the project was designed to make the transition from college to employment easier.

Students are not simply learning automotive theory. They are working around vehicle lifts, garage ramps, MOT equipment, tyre changers, wheel balancers and modern vehicle technology within a workshop designed to replicate the environment of a professional garage or dealership.

As Stephen explained, the facility gives students the opportunity to “hit the ground running” when they enter industry.

For JHM Butt, the Bradford College project demonstrates the importance of looking at educational workshop projects as complete facilities rather than simply individual pieces of equipment.

Workshop layout, vehicle movement, equipment specification, health and safety and future technology all have to work together to create an effective learning environment.

The result at Junction Mills is a purpose-built automotive training workshop designed to give Bradford College students practical experience using the garage equipment and vehicle technology they are likely to encounter throughout their careers.

Planning a Similar Project?

Planning a college automotive workshop, motor vehicle training centre or educational garage facility? JHM Butt & Co Ltd can support projects from workshop layout and garage equipment specification through to installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support.

Get in touch with the team on 01302 710868 or request a call back to talk through your project.