Restorer: ‘We just can’t find anyone with the skills we need!’
Classic restoration specialists face huge skills shortfall
Seb Marshall of Surrey-based Historic Vehicle Restoration (HVR) is looking for staff – and is turning to CCW to help put the word out.
He said: ‘We have a dedicated team and though we would be very happy to employ someone of any age, it would be nice to have some young blood around.
‘We have tried apprenticeships but they haven’t really worked. We don’t flog ourselves but are are totally dedicated to what we do and don’t always just pack up at a set time and go home.
‘We’re paying tribute to the craftsmen who originally built these vehicles and trying to keep the traditions alive.’
HVR operates from a new 5000 sq ft workshop, where the five-strong team (plus two part-timers) are based.
‘There must be people out there with the skills we need. The problem is not helped by the fact that this part of Surrey is an expensive part of the country in which to live. It’s easy to say that the Government should be doing something, but what?’
John Place of the Guild of Master Craftmen agrees. He said: ‘We fully sympathise with the situation at Historic Vehicle Restoration, which is repeated in many other sectors of traditional craftsmanship. There are places such as Northbrook College in Worthing where young people are learning traditional skills but there are a lot of posts that need filling.’
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