ACADEMY BRIDGES CLUB SKILLS GAP

Bicester-based Heritage Skills Academy wants to run short courses based on suggestions from car clubs

Safety courses in keeping MoT-exempt classic vehicles roadworthy are among a shortlist of courses now being pitched to vehicle clubs and others by the Heritage Skills Academy.

Better known for its apprenticeship training schemes, the Heritage Skills Academy, which is based at the Bicester Heritage site in Oxfordshire, is asking for your ideas on any aspect of restoration – from general to specific.

John Pitchforth, managing director, said: ‘A lot of people are interested in the skills we teach but are not in a position to become a full-time apprentice.’

By next February, the Academy will have 55 full-time apprentices undergoing training at its extensive workshops – and is taking on further premises at the site in March to expand its coachbuilding and trimming tuition facilities even further. The Academy is supported by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, Bicester Heritage and the Starter Motor Charity.

Three short courses are currently scheduled for next year. ‘ The short courses are aimed at giving an introduction to owning and looking after classics. There will also be an introduction to the skills learned during an apprenticeship,’ John added.

‘As well as the courses we are planning we will be happy to run further events covering any aspect of restoration.

‘If there is enough demand to cover a course on any subject, we will run it, and we welcome ideas from car clubs and individuals.’ Nick Larkin heritageskillsacademy.co.uk