Inspirational Bedford Motor Vehicle team honoured in prestigious UK celebration of Teaching

Today, 26 May, The Motor Vehicle Team at The Bedford College Group has been named as one of 80 Pearson National Teaching Award Silver Award winners across the country.

The Motor Vehicle Team is honoured with a Silver Award in The Award for FE Team of the Year for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

Led by Head of Motor Vehicle, James Woolley, the team worked hard to redevelop a new Centre in Bedford to lead the way in offering cutting-edge training in electric vehicle maintenance.

They used their own industry experience to keep students engaged during lockdowns through a dedicated YouTube channel, as well as opening the refurbished college building as a cutting-edge training centre for local school leavers, adults and employers. Redeveloped from an old engineering training unit, the new centre houses electric vehicle and hybrid technology, enabling students leave college with the skills needed for this growing industry.

Throughout the refurbishment, tutors kept in contact with many former students, with two now training to be lecturers in the team! The great relationship with the alumni has inspired alumni to return for short day-courses to gain skills in electric and hybrid technology in response to the government initiatives to increase usage on UK roads.

The team also developed and maintained strong long-term partnerships with large local employers such as BCA and The RAC to ensure that students can access apprenticeships, internships or full-time employment.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

“Congratulations to The Motor Vehicle Team  on this incredible achievement, and for the hard work and dedication which led up to it. Winning this award is impressive, well-deserved and shows The Motor Vehicle Team’s commitment to helping students achieve their full potential.”

Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“For so many of us, it was someone at school who changed our lives, was at our side through hard and difficult times, who lifted us up when we were down, helped us find our voice, gave us confidence when we needed it most, and set us on a path that we have followed ever since. 

“No matter who we are, school has touched our lives and played a central role in our childhoods. School is about so much more than learning, and we see that now more than ever before. Schools really are the beating heart of our communities. Every person that cares for our children in schools should be celebrated loud and clear on Thank A Teacher Day 2022.”