Abstract:

The objective of this project was to develop a set of both theory and practical electrical exercises/assessments in the form of a diagnostic test to both help and assist motor apprentices with their course work as well as helping to improve their core skills of basic electricity and electronics during attendance of their ten week phase 6 motor apprenticeship off-the-job training course at the Dublin Institute of Technology.

The diagnostic test was conducted in two stages, one at the beginning of the ten week training course and the second one towards the end of the ten week course. Data obtained from the diagnostic test provided me with useful information regarding strengths and weakness in this subject area.

Many motor trade apprentice students enter the later years of their studies ill prepared for the level of material encountered. This is due to several factors including the level and knowledge of basic electricity and electrical/electronic principles.

A lot of basic material in these areas has been covered during earlier years of their training but by the time they reach the final year of their apprenticeship (phase 6) it is not safe to assume that they have a full grasp of the basics required.

Enormous advances in electronic technology throughout the 1980s and 1990s have brought about many changes in the status of automobile electricity and electronics. Changes are driven by safety as well as environmental reasons. Electronic control plays a major part in the operation of the modern internal combustion engine with regards to efficiency of operation as well as emission control. Electronics have also been integrated into vehicle steering and braking systems for safety reasons.

Apart from the above mentioned both hybrid, as well as full electric vehicles are now common place in today’s society. Due to the requirement to study vehicle technology throughout an apprenticeship as well as electrical/electronic systems playing a paramount role in the operation of all vehicle systems both the standard and level of electricity and electronics increases as a motor apprentice progresses through their apprenticeship.

It is therefore critical that these students have a full grasp of this subject both during and more importantly towards the end of their apprenticeship.

The main benefit of this project is to help improve core skills of motor apprentices that reflect modern changes and advancements in modern motor vehicle technology.

Keywords:

Assessment, motor apprentices, electricity and electronics.