24 June, 2014
The vintage motor trade may be a traditional industry associated with skilled, experienced tradesmen.
But it’s a prosperous business and, like any other sector, is reliant on new blood coming through.
So - calling all school leavers with a love of cars and a penchant for historical models. There’s a golden opportunity going this autumn.
The International Guild of Specialist Engineers (TIGOSE) is offering apprenticeships from September.
What does the scheme involve?
The bespoke three-year programme includes training on the basics of sports and classic maintenance; servicing, along with restoration and repairs, such as rebuilding and stripping.
Trainees will be offered tuition on all models covered by classic car insurance, while the learning will be both practical and academic.
The programme is staged at the impressive, Ruddington-based Babcock’s Technical Training Academy, which is a purpose-built tutoring facility near Nottingham.
Successful applicants certainly won’t be left to fend for themselves. They’ll enjoy frequent visits by their vocational learning counsellor.
In addition to this facility, apprentices will work alongside vastly experienced technicians within the Guild’s tailored workshops.
The objective is to provide a seamless passage between skills absorbed at the Babcock academy and their hands-on application within the workplace.
The scheme “uniquely” encourages apprentices to be productive as soon as practically possible after joining.
What does the guild say about its programme?
Apprenticeship programme leader Roger Waters explains the scheme is aimed at any school leaver who is serious about discovering a special skill-set amid a “very competitive’ although “highly complex”, traditional industry.
Michael Scott, the guild’s founder, says his organisation was launched to back an aged industry in fresh ways, but this cannot be achieved without introducing hungry news starters.
What qualifications do successful apprentices come out with at the end of the programme?
On successful completion of the scheme, apprentices will be the proud holders of the following:
- NVQ Level 2 (this is an apprenticeship) or NVQ Level 3 (this is an advanced apprenticeship)
- Practical skills certificates
- IMI technical certificate
- Apprenticeship/advanced apprenticeship completion certificate
- Acknowledgement from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
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