Virtual manufacturing environment makes it real for students

A VIEW of Ford supports the GCSE for Applied Manufacturing, offering examples and evidence which enables students to explore and investigate the manufacturing processes in a working environment. The virtual tour also provides some evidence in support of the work related curriculum at Key Stage 4. Ford VIEW will provide students with an insight into a real manufacturing environment at Ford's Eastleigh plant, where the Ford Transit is manufactured. The site offers an extensive range of manufacturing processes as the Transit is assembled from the sub-frame, through paint, trim and final assembly. The tour provides access to all three manufacturing buildings at the Eastleigh site as well as a route around the buildings themselves. “SEEDA is pleased to be involved with this exiting and innovative project for the region,” said director of learning & skills at SEEDA, John Parsonage. “Work-related learning is a vital component of the school curriculum and we must do everything we can to help businesses work more closely with young people. VIEW offers a way of spreading a culture of enterprise throughout the educational system and we believe that VIEW will have an impact on the career choices that youngsters make.”