Young people take on ten week MG Midget restoration challenge

A 1969 MG Midget will be restored by a group of eight young people with no previous mechanical experience using only Haynes manual as their guide.

This is the second Haynes Mechanix project, which aims to give young people between the ages of 15 and 25 valuable life skills and practical experience to help them in the increasingly competitive jobs market.

J Haynes, chairman of Haynes Publishing, said the programme helped to give young people belief in themselves.

‘Participants achieve this by developing an understanding of mechanics, and then applying that knowledge in a practical way.

‘In addition to the confidence that comes with developing practical skills, those taking part have the opportunity to gain qualifications that improve their employment prospects while also learning essential life skills.’

The pilot scheme ran from April to August earlier this year and saw 12 participants (pictured) revive ‘Percy’ the Volkswagen Polo to the point where the car passed its MoT test. They achieved a City and Guilds Qualification in Employability and Personal Development.

Two of the participants are now considering a career in mechanics as a result of the project.

This time, the students will work towards gaining a certificate from Edexcell in car mechanics and another in personal development.

The ten week programme is taking place at Propex Youth Club in Islington, north London, in co-operation with Hyde Housing Association and Draper Tools.

Clive Richardson, Draper Tools marketing director, said it was a very worthwhile project. ‘It feels very rewarding knowing that our tools will be used to help young people to acquire useful skills for life and earn a valuable qualification.’