Volkswagen Ireland has given an Audi TT to Technological University Dublin's Vehicle Repair Workshop, which provides the only public sector provider of vehicle repair apprenticeships, writes Brian Byrne.
The car was formerly used by Volkswagen Ireland as a training vehicle, and its multi-material body will help students make full use of the VRW's curriculum. Apprentices who attend the workshop are in the middle of a four-year training programme run by industry body SOLAS.
Jason Phillips, Assistant Lecturer in Vehicle Body Repair, became an apprentice panel beater after completing his Leaving Cert 31 years ago. “Back in my day we used to rub down cars by hand with cold buckets of water but now everything involves sophisticated machines and the technology is constantly changing,” he says “Cars are made from high strength steel, boron steels and carbon fibre."
The workshop includes a brand new spray booth and materials analysis equipment.
The car was handed over by Oisin Daly, Volkswagen Group Paint and Body Business Development Specialist, who says apprentices have been the lifeblood of the motor industry for over a century.“By investing in leading facilities like this, we all benefit down the line with a highly skilled, motivated workforce and state-of-the art facilities."
