Mission Motorsport students receive masterclass
TMD Friction’s specialist training team recently visited service charity, Mission Motorsport, to carry out its professional technical training programme, Mintex Masterclass, to students.
The technical training programme is carried out in accordance with Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) criteria, with the team providing a number of learners who are studying to achieve a Light Vehicle Level 3 qualification, with detailed braking best practice tips.
TMD has confirmed that it will also conduct a number of other training sessions throughout the year to further support the charity.
Launched in 2012, Mission Motorsport aids in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport and the motorsport industry.
As part of the MoD's Career Transition Partnership, the charity helps those leaving the military to find employment in the automotive industry.
An IMI training provider, Mission Motorsport's training wing delivers a range of qualifications up to, and including, Level 3 Diploma courses and full apprenticeships, enabling service leavers to bridge the gap between military service and second careers as civilians.
The learners were able to benefit from TMD’s technical expertise, with the seminar covering the bedding in procedure, where brakes are run-in to assist in smooth braking operation and transfer a layer of friction material onto the disc, and the use of chamfers, shims and slots to prevent noise and vibration from the pads.
As well as an overview of the manufacturing process, the students were taken through how Mintex verifies brake pads and discs are operating and the pitfalls that some garages may fall into if parts aren’t fitted correctly, with the masterclass culminating in a quiz and presentation of certificates.
Mission Motorsport delivers the Light Vehicle Level 3 qualification over the period of 9-12 months with IMI, within 52 days attended and over 205 hours of eLearning, enabling the students to requalify in a new industry in a short time frame.
The charity issued 158 qualifications last year to more than 40 veterans and service leavers.
This year alone, the training team has secured 70 course bookings, with the majority of those being service leavers and veterans.
Based on three pillars, Race, Retrain and Recover, Mission Motorsport offers an all-encompassing approach, providing service leavers, veterans, and their families access to a host of dedicated fundraising events, training, and support.
David Guilfoyle, technical training manager at Mission Motorsport said: “We’ve already helped over 2,000 veterans find work in the automotive industry and technical specialists, such as TMD, play an integral role in helping us to provide the specialist industry knowledge and skills needed to requalify and find success in the sector.”
Scott Irwin MIMI, head of technical training at TMD Friction, added: “Mission Motorsport is a fantastic initiative, not only helping service leavers and veterans to retrain and take advantage of the many opportunities to thrive in the automotive industry, but it also offers an excellent vocational output to support their recovery and rehabilitation, and it was a pleasure to present our Mintex Masterclass to their students.”
As a UK-based manufacturer of safety critical components, TMD Friction’s award-winning training team continues to invest in the upskilling of the aftermarket, as it is acutely aware of the importance of correct fitting procedures and works hard with customers to ensure this awareness is instilled across all corners of the UK.
The specialist’s technical training team was recently awarded the renowned Outstanding Achievement accolade at the Annual Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF’s) Award ceremony.
For more information on Mission Motorsport, visit www.missionmotorsport.org/.