The first RAC automotive training centre has been opened in Nottinghamshire in the organisation’s drive to attract school leavers into the motor repair sector.

A state-of-the-art vehicle workshop has been opened at Ashfield School’s post-16 centre, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, equipped with the latest vehicles and equipment.

A second RAC training centre is due to open at Great Sankey High School in Warrington this autumn.

More may follow in the long-term, although a spokesman said that it will depend on the success of the initial centres.

At the centres, an RAC automotive engineering trainer will deliver practical lessons.

Students can gain an IMI-recognised technical certificate which is a step towards an engineering diploma if they continue training until aged 19.

Suitale trainees will be given an opportunity to join RAC-supported appr-entice programmes.

The company aims to give pupils a head start in the automotive industry and the scheme is in addition to RAC’s established apprentice and technical training provision for vehicle manufacturers.

Damian O’ Connor, RAC’s head of technical service delivery, said: “It is vital to attract new talent into the industry and educate students about these wider technical subjects early on, so we can address skill shortages in the sector.

“We hope to attract people that would not normally think of applying for jobs in the automotive industry and demonstrate that the programme can create opportunities to move into a wide variety of automotive engineering disciplines, such as vehicle systems, design and manufacturing.”