The Innovation to Inspire Trust (I2I Trust) operates from Agar Nook in Coalville.

A SHIRE Grant was awarded to the I2I Trust to help create two classrooms, along with a break-out area.

The charity provides qualifications and associated learning support to young people who have struggled with mainstream education, through the provision of vocational courses in Motor Vehicle Engineering, linked to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and Technology (including designing and creating drones).

Through the IMI, young learners can access either the Entry Level 3 Award and Certificate and the Level 1 Award in car mechanics or motorcycle mechanics. Some learners also have the opportunity to move on to the more advanced Progress 8 qualification.

Each learner has their own individual portfolio on the IMI site, which enables them to undertake each unit at their own pace of progress.

I2I runs sessions daily, accommodating 42 learners per week. Typically, a morning session involves learning practical skills, such as replacing an engine component. In the afternoon, they spend time writing up this task on their portfolio. They also get the opportunity to search for apprenticeships or college placements with support from their Tutors.

Two of the current learners (Jimmy and Owen) are on the Progress 8 qualification, as part of which they have built a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke engine mounted in close proximity. This will be a demonstration tool to learn about the differences between the two engines.

Another learner (Kai) has rebuilt and made modifications to a moped as part of his Entry 3 Certificate.

A previous learner is now at Burton College and has an apprenticeship with TECK which delivers the IMI course for the I2I Trust.