More than 60 youngsters are now learning the skills needed to plug the gap in the nation’s classic restoration industry – up from just 11 a year ago. But the industry needs many more if it is to flourish in the future.
Apprenticeships off to a flying start
Trade and skills director Karl Carter said that a new intake of apprentices at Banbury and Bicester College, a new extended learning course and the introduction of the FBHVC’s scheme at North London Garages and Rolls-Royce specialist P&A Wood had helped hugely in training more people in the skills of restoring older cars.
‘It’s fantastic that we’ve got more apprentices taking up the course, and that North London Garages is still looking for more. It’s good news, but now we need to get this out across the country – it’s a bit South of England-centric at the moment.’
He added that he is still keen for more colleges in other parts of the UK to take up the course, and is encouraging clubs to pitch in with their suggestions.
Federation chairman David Whale praised apprentice supporters Francis Galashan, the MG Car Club and McGrath Maserati, and said it would have been impossible to get the course off the ground without their help. ‘The first 11 students have now started their second year,’ he said. ‘That’s ample indication of the success of the course and Banbury and Bicester College’s ability to keep young people engaged.’