Forres business 8BallTuning offering an Automotive Skills qualification via its charity branch Inspiring Foundations
A garage on the Greshop Industrial Estate is offering free mechanic training.
8BallTuning owner, Mike Ross, provides the Automotive Skills Level 4 SCQF course to S3-S6 pupils at Forres Academy and a separate class for over-18s via his charity, Inspiring Foundations.
He said: “Our aim is to entice candidates into the trade and fill the ever growing skills gap.
“The industry of old is far different from today’s. We aim to change the opinion of many young people that the automotive trade is just dirty and oily - it certainly doesn’t have to be!”
Mike earned a service tech qualification via Vauxhall’s main dealer training programme. He was later declared Apprentice Of The Year then won the Outstanding Tech Award from the Institute Of The Motoring Industry.
He also added ATA Diagnostic tech and High Voltage Tech to his regular ATA Service Tech award.
Mike started 8BallTuning in 2013 to provide vehicle software solutions to the area.
He said: “While advertising for staff around covid time, we found a lack of qualified mechanics in Moray. This prompted the move to become an SQA approved training centre where we aim to show how good a career path in automotive can be.”
Mike started the Inspiring Foundations charity, providing tools, safety equipment, learning materials and vehicles to work on for learners.
It became an SQA awarding centre in late 2022, offering the first Automotive Skills course in August 2023. Completed over one academic year, it covers the basics: from how to change a wheel and service a car, replace brakes, suspension, etc; to how to carry out an inspection.
“The theory side delves into how an engine works,” explained Mike. “How a gearbox and suspension, brakes etc work. We team this with practical work such as stripping an engine and gearbox. Once candidates have an understanding, it’s much easier to make repairs.”
To date, 28 candidates have taken the course.
Mike said: “Because of the age group, many have continued on at school to gain further qualifications. We have also had several look for apprenticeships but there is a lack of garages that are financially able to take on apprentices for four years.
“However, we are actively pushing for additional funding for businesses to take them on.”
The over 18’s course is also free to participants - so far, one person has completed the course.
Unfortunately, due to taking on an additional class of S3-S6 candidates this year, Inspiring Foundations has not had capacity to run a separate adult course this year.
The charity welcomes donations and there are sponsorship opportunities for the courses it offers.
Mike finished: “These go directly into providing as many candidates as possible with the opportunity to complete our courses.”
For more information visit Inspiringfoundations.co.uk and https://www.8balltuning.com/
