SOE: Bristol training academy on top form

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:00 AM

Aiming to become the country's top automotive academy, S&B will provide eco-friendly, hi-tech classrooms, containing state-of-the-art training systems, offices, bespoke workshops as well as fitness and communal areas, creating what S&B Chief Exec Jon Winter describes as a supportive, safe and stimulating environment.

Representing the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), one of the leading professional engineering institutions in the road transport, plant and engineer surveying industries, SOE President Chris Grime attended the event to drill the final nail into the roof structure and 'top out' the building.

Not-for-profit S&B, which is also an SOE Academic Partner, welcomes some 600 trainees and apprentices each year to study courses ranging from truck, bus, van and car maintenance, to parts operations and auto-electrics.

Jon Winter explained the support received from SOE has been brilliant in helping to develop the engineering professionals of the future. Jon also described the master plan for S&B:
"In early 2011, we will see a major facelift on all existing buildings to reflect S&B's modern identity and during that year, we hope to see the completion of the campus by the closing of Princess Street, allowing unhindered access to all buildings."

SOE President Chris Grime said:

"The breadth and quality of training on offer at S&B is incredibly exciting for engineering, and it is inspiring to see the training needs of students highly valued by Jon Winter and all the S&B team"

"SOE and S&B have a long-standing relationship and I would like to thank them for the ongoing support of the SOE technician licensing scheme, irtec, which recognises the competence of people maintaining large vehicles - making transport safer for everyone."

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EDITORS NOTES

SOE (Society of Operations Engineers)

SOE is a professional membership organisation that represents around 16,000 individuals and companies in the road transport, plant and engineer surveying industry. The SOE has three professional sectors - IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), IPlantE (Institution of Plant Engineers), BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors).

SOE promotes safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable operations engineering to the benefit of the community at large, through the support of best practice and health and safety initiatives, a commitment to the professional development of its members and by influencing legislation and design.

SOE is a licensed member of the Engineering Council and can register members at all three levels, CEng, IEng and EngTech.

The SOE is online at www.soe.org.uk

irtec
irtec (the 'I' should always be in lower case) is a renewable voluntary testing and assessment scheme that certifies theoretical and practical skills of PCV, Heavy Goods and light commercial vehicle technicians.

An irtec Licence proves commitment to safety and professional development by technicians and employers alike. irtec licences are awarded at three levels, depending on the candidate's skill and experience Once an irtec licence is issued, the technician is listed on a national register and bound by a code of conduct. The licence is valid for 5 years, after which the licence holder must undergo reassessment for renewal.

Further details are available from the irtec website at www.soe.org.uk/irtec.

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