Due to the increasing levels of training being delivered by Transport Training Services at Nutts Corner, significant investment has been made on a number of fronts – namely access and parking facilities, new heavy vehicle equipment and a new computer suite.

Work undertaken by FP McCann over the past few weeks, will significantly improve site access and enhance safety.  A new parking layout has also added much needed additional car parking space. This work is part of a wider traffic management scheme within Nutts Corner Business Park. 

A brand new computer suite with 20 PCs has also been installed at TTS to meet the needs of the increasing use of online testing, e-Portfolio and e-Learning. The new facility has been possible with financial assistance via the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council GROW programme.

Having previously invested in individual ‘Electude’ e-learning resources, the new IT suite will enable apprentices and learners to access modern e-learning resources on brand new computers. Electude is the world’s leading provider of automotive e-learning solutions.  

“By giving apprentices access to their individual e-learning ‘portal’ on any internet device at any time, the resource allows them to develop knowledge at their own pace as well as indicating to TTS the learners who have the keenest interest in furthering their career,” says Stephen Wilkinson, TTS Training Director. 

The new computer suite has been up and running since the beginning of June and is providing huge benefits to young learners and other course participants.

A third recent investment is equipment to further improve on-site heavy vehicle training provision.  Six Somers pillar lifts have been acquired and more diagnostic equipment is on the way, including a top of the range Bosch KTS capable of being used with trucks and motorcycles as well as light vehicles.  

“We’ve created a dedicated HV workshop and installing the latest equipment is helping us deliver the best practical skills for our HV apprentices,” said Michael Hutchinson, Technical Trainer and HV specialist. 

TTS are aiming to further extend and enhance their heavy vehicle training provision to address current and future skills shortages in the industry, most notably in the area of driver and technicians.

Last but not least, a new commercial vehicle driving simulator is due at TTS in the near future.  Martin Hutchinson, CEO commented: 

“We’re looking forward to commissioning this surprisingly expensive installation.  However, it’ll be worth it as the objective is to deliver more efficient and safer commercial driver training, especially for young people on the TTS Commercial Driver training apprenticeship.  It’s unfair to send relatively inexperienced young people out on the road in an 18 tonne truck at an early stage of training, therefore the simulator will help them get familiar with controlling a large vehicle to the required standard before going onto the public highway.” 

These changes are just part of many ongoing improvements at TTS to serve the local automotive and transport industries, and as always, employers are welcome to visit the facilities and speak to the team.