MSA & OCNW lead the way for a qualified team of volunteers
in motorsports
An agreement has been reached between the Motor Sports Association
(MSA) and the Open College of the North West (OCNW) which
will offer the thousands of volunteers involved in the sport
the opportunity to achieve nationally-recognised qualifications
over the next few years.
The MSA is the governing body of motor sport in United Kingdom,
responsible for the administration and development of the
sport, as well as the co-ordination of some 13,000 volunteer
officials throughout the country.
OCNW is a leading National Awarding Body, approved by the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which offers a wide
portfolio of qualifications to colleges, training organisations
and schools throughout the UK.
MSA and OCNW have already worked together to design a Level
2 Certificate in Motorsports Incident Marshalling and the
first group of students will achieve their qualifications
by Easter. Two more qualifications – a Level 3 Certificate
for Motorsports Incident Officers and Level 2 Certificate
for Motorsports Time Keepers – will be available very
soon. Plans are already being drawn up for further additions
to the portfolio, including full time programmes for young
people aiming to develop careers in the motorsports professions.
OCNW Chief Executive Phil Wilkinson says “This collaboration
with the MSA will eventually establish a comprehensive framework
of optional qualifications for everyone who is involved in
motorsports.”
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, says: "The Motor Sports
Association's army of volunteer marshals and officials is
critical to the future development of the sport and the MSA
is committed to increasing their number through a combination
of recruitment and retention programmes. Introducing the option
of nationally-recognised qualifications will provide additional
benefit for those already involved and will also encourage
students to expand their studies to incorporate volunteer
motorsports activities as part of their course."
Picture shows Colin Hilton (left) and Phil Wilkinson during
the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between
MSA and OCNW which took place today (Friday 13 January) at
the Autosport International 2006 show at the National Exhibition
Centre, Birmingham. A high-resolution version of this image
is available.
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