A student from the Grimsby Institute is to spend a weekend as part of the pit crew with the Geoff Steel Racing team at Silverstone after receiving an achievement award handed out to someone who has made considerable progress in their chosen career route within the automotive sector.

John Taylor will join the team for the season finale as part of the relationship between Martyn Bell and the Automotive Technical Training Centre at the Grimsby Institute – where he launched his maiden campaign on the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship back in March.

John first enrolled at the Institute in September 2003 and in the past three years has completed the ABC Diploma in Motor Vehicle Studies, the IMI Award (L1), and the IMI Certificate (L2). Following the completion of his full time studies in June 2006, he was recommended by the staff at the Automotive Technical Training Centre for an apprenticeship at Nuns Mitsubishi in Cleethorpes. He is now working towards completion of the IMI Diploma (L3) and the NVQ level 3, while employed with Nuns.

“We are delighted to be working so closely with Martyn,” Steve Hunsely, curriculum leader for Automotive at the Grimsby Institute said. “Its great to be able to offer this kind of prize a student starting out in the industry. Not only is it good hands on experience, the whole weekend will be really exciting.

“I'm sure it will inspire other students to work hard and try to attain the same levels next year.”

Launched last year by Bell as a development centre of vocational excellence, the Automotive Technical Training Centre is set to complete a £250,000 expansion that will see the department achieve full CoVE status.