New apprentice scheme for classic specialists announced

The Guild of Specialist Engineers has set up a new apprenticeship programme, which will see many more young people in the UK working with historic transport.

The Guild has recently been set up to represent and promote the interests of specialist engineers of classic cars and all forms of historic motorised transportation. It has been founded by an established group of specialist engineers in the field of classic and race-car restoration and preparation.

The Apprenticeship Programme has been developed for the Guild and its members by Roger Waters, Chairman of the Motor Manufacturers’ Technical Training Conference, and Clive Temple, Director of the Post Graduate Motorsport Engineering Programme at Cranfield University.

It will be matched to the specific requirements and specialisation of its members. It encourages the handing on of specialist technical craft skills unique to the ‘historic vehicle’ industry.

Guild Chairman, Eddie Hoare, said: 'This is a major step forward in ensuring that young people are encouraged to enter the world of classic cars and other historic engineering, which accounts for billions of pounds worth of revenue to the UK economy.'

He added: 'The Guild recognises the need to promote the industry to a new generation of aspiring engineers. Passing on technological knowledge and craft skills is crucial if we are to preserve our automotive heritage. It was vital, therefore, to put into place an Apprenticeship Programme appropriate to the needs of our members and I am delighted that this will now be a reality. The training will be unique in providing the carefully structured learning of skills bespoke to classic and sports car maintenance and restoration.

'Apprenticeships are a hot topic within politics right now. This programme will benefit the career prospects of 16-19 year old aspiring engineers. The training will be provided by Babcock International. As Jay Leno said: “Keeping the knowledge passed on to younger generations is crucial if we are to preserve our automotive past."'

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