Automotive Students Go the Extra Mile to Raise Funds for Children in Need

In November, Automotive students at Lincoln and Newark Colleges took their skills to the next level, not only gaining valuable work experience but also giving back to their community by raising money for a great cause.  

As part of their studies, over 20 Level 1 Automotive Engineering students at Lincoln College and Level 3 Apprentices at Newark College dedicated a day to performing winter car checks, raising £80 in the process for Cash for Kids – a charity that provides gifts for children in need this Christmas. 

The fundraiser involved students working on real vehicles in the college’s state-of-the-art workshops, carrying out essential winter maintenance checks. While they were putting their technical expertise to good use, whilst making a difference. 

Neil Corfield, Automotive Lecturer at Lincoln College, said: "This initiative not only helps students develop key skills in automotive engineering but also teaches them the value of using their talents to support others.” 

Students spent 30 minutes per vehicle, inspecting everything from tyres to wiper functionality. They gained hands-on experience in checking the depth of tyre tread, ensuring it met the minimum winter standard of 3mm, as well as measuring tyre pressure to ensure optimum performance in colder weather conditions. Using vehicle manuals, students checked the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressures, contributing to safe winter driving for customers. 

Each vehicle also received an anti-freeze check to ensure it could withstand freezing temperatures, while wipers were tested for both wear and effectiveness. Students also checked the functionality of lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, replacing any faulty bulbs. To wrap up the service, they topped up screen wash reservoirs with winter-ready solutions, ensuring that drivers would be well-prepared for the cold months ahead. 

Lincoln and Newark Colleges offer excellent opportunities to gain both technical expertise and real-world experience. With a combination of hands-on learning, industry-standard equipment, and a commitment to community engagement, students are prepared for success in the ever-evolving automotive sector. 

Apply for Automotive at Lincoln College and Newark College this September 2026.