It is not too much of an exaggeration to say that the historic, and historical, motoring industry has relied heavily on graduates from apprenticeships across a range of professions.
And the tradition continues: this week, National Apprenticeship Week, has prompted Volkswagen UK to announce that its in-house apprenticeship scheme, a programme that has already enabled successful careers for around 1000 young people, is to expand to include head office-based roles in Milton Keynes.
Previously, the VW-run programme created pathways into jobs including service technician, customer service, painters and body repairers, largely via its dealer network. It is now opening the door to business and IT hopefuls.
Bentley, too, released almost 30 vacancies for apprentices this week, largely focused on manufacturing and design.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says 700 apprenticeship vacancies are currently open, and its research suggests that number will only increase. Meanwhile 550 new apprentices have entered the new-car industry this academic year alone.
Steve Cootes, StarterMotor Charity's General Manager, believes there are clear reasons for the increasing numbers. “The cost of studying for a degree at university is prompting school leavers to think twice about this form of further education. Searching for an apprenticeship, which can mitigate cost and provide a regular income, is becoming increasingly popular. And, based on my regular engagements with schools and Further Education institutions, interest in pursuing an apprenticeship rather than a university course is definitely growing.”
“Organisations like Bicester Motion-based Heritage Skills Academy, which offers high-quality apprenticeships in mechanical engineering and coachbuilding, are providing attractive alternatives to the usual go-to options. The skills required by the classic and historic vehicle sector are best taught by specialist organisations like Heritage Skills Academy, who have tuned course content to the needs of the engineering companies operating in the sector."
A number of the specialists at Bicester Motion have been positive forces in the continued success of apprentices, including Blue Diamond Riley Services and Classic Performance Engineering and Electrogenic, many of which have been in tandem with the Heritage Skills Academy.
To learn more about StarterMotor, the onsite charity at Bicester Motion champion the industry to the next generation, visit starermotor.co.