Nottingham College asked JHM Butt & Co Ltd to design, supply and install a complete motor vehicle training workshop. We delivered a multi-bay teaching facility built around 20 Supalift two-post lifts, a Ravaglioli leverless tyre changer and motorised wheel balancer, an EV lifting table, a full overhead exhaust extraction system, compressed air and airline reels, electrical installation and waste oil handling. Learners across Level 1, 2 and 3 motor vehicle qualifications train on the same equipment they will meet in commercial garages, franchised dealers and the independent aftermarket.

What Did Nottingham College Need?

The brief was a complete motor vehicle training workshop for the automotive curriculum, covering Level 1, 2 and 3 learners: a multi-bay teaching facility giving hands-on experience on industry-standard equipment, so that what learners use in college matches what they will use in employment.

That meant specifying for teaching as well as for the job. A college workshop takes far more daily use than a commercial bay, from learners who are still building their skills, so robustness and safety carry as much weight as specification.

Why Did Nottingham College Choose JHM Butt?

We work across the automotive aftermarket, from national fleets and independent garages to commercial workshops, and we have supplied further education colleges and training providers for years. That mix matters here, because a teaching workshop has to satisfy both the curriculum and the realities of a working garage.

Working with manufacturers including Ravaglioli and Supalift, we specified a fit-out around equipment learners will recognise the moment they step into their first employer’s garage.

What Equipment Was Installed?

20 Supalift two-post hydraulic lifts

Supalift two-post lifts were installed throughout the workshop. Lift count is what decides how many learners can be working on a vehicle at the same time rather than waiting their turn, so it is one of the first things to settle when planning a teaching space.

Ravaglioli tyre bay equipment

A Ravaglioli leverless automatic tyre changer and a Ravaglioli motorised wheel balancer cover tyre fitting and balancing training. Leverless machines are now common in commercial tyre bays, so learners are trained on current technique rather than an older method.

EV lifting table

A dedicated EV lifting table supports safe battery removal and high-voltage training, which is increasingly part of the syllabus as electric and hybrid vehicles become routine workshop traffic.

Exhaust extraction, air and electrics

A full overhead exhaust extraction rail system with GRIP nozzles and closing valves keeps fumes out of the teaching space. We also installed compressed air and airline reels to each bay. The electrical installation was carried out by our own in-house electrical team, so the power side was not subcontracted out and sat on the same programme as the rest of the fit-out.

Waste oil handling

A pump-away waste oil drainer was supplied for safe fluid handling, so learners are taught correct practice from the start.

How Was the Installation Managed?

We produced an installation plan built around the college’s academic schedule, so the work fitted the teaching year rather than the other way round. Installing 20 lifts plus extraction, air and electrics in a live education building needs sequencing, not just engineers.

The handover included full commissioning and operator familiarisation for teaching staff, so lecturers were confident using and supervising the equipment before learners went near it.

What Support Does the College Get Afterwards?

Nottingham College has ongoing service support, LOLER inspections and spare parts backup through our nationwide engineer coverage and dedicated spares operation.

That matters more in education than most settings. A lift out of action in a commercial garage costs a bay. A lift out of action in a college can mean a group of learners with nothing to work on that week.

Planning a College Workshop or Training Facility?

Whether you are fitting out a new motor vehicle training centre or upgrading an existing one, JHM Butt & Co Ltd can support the project from layout and equipment specification through to installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support.

Talk it through with the team on 01302 710868 or request a call back.