College course puts teenagers in the driving seat

Youngsters studying motor mechanics at MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus were treated to a day’s fun at Buckmore Park karting circuit.

The 14 to 16 year olds, all pupils at the New Line Learning and Cornwallis Academies in Maidstone, were celebrating the end of a School Partnerships programme in motor vehicle technologies. The year-long course run by MidKent College enabled 15 pupils to study at Buckmore Park for one day per week.

College Motor Vehicle lecturer Terry Coombes said: “The award these pupils have been studying for gives them a good basis of knowledge in motor mechanics and prepares them for full-time motor vehicle training if that’s what they choose to do once they have left school.

“They’ve been coming to Buckmore Park once a week since September. In that time they’ve looked at engine stripping and rebuilding, suspension systems, steering systems, braking and cooling. There’s been a lot to cover, so this is only the third time they’ve had a chance to actually drive the karts they’ve been working on. They’ve been really looking forward to it.”

15 year old Michael King couldn’t wait to get on the karting track. He said: “The whole course has been a real laugh. We’ve had a great time, but getting to drive the karts has been the best part.” The year ten Cornwallis Academy pupil added: “It’s been good to get some hands on experience of working with cars. It means I’ve got more options available to me when I leave school next summer.”