Apprentices | Heritage Skills Academy

Becoming an Apprentice

For apprentices lucky enough to become part of Heritage Skills Academy, they will be based at our training centres within the world renowned Bicester Heritage and Brooklands Museum sites. Both settings provide exciting and vibrant environments which will embed you within the world of specialist engineers, historic engineering and cutting-edge technology. There are two Engineering routes:

Mechanical

Apprenticeship

Core Knowledge and Skills
Sector Specific Knowledge & Skills
Behaviours essential within the industry

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Coach Building

Apprenticeship

Core Knowledge and Skills
Sector Specific Knowledge & Skills
Behaviours essential within the industry

LEARN MORE

HSA has developed workshop and training facilities dedicated to Heritage Engineering mechanical, coachbuilding and trim apprenticeships with the support of the Federation of Historic British Vehicle Clubs, the Galashan Foundation and the ‘Starter Motor Charity.

The The Heritage Engineering Technician (HET) Apprenticeship Standard has been designed by the UK’s leading employers and was approved for delivery in August 2018. It's purpose; to preserve the skills and knowledge which have been fading away over the past 30 years, and to replace modern qualifications which lacked the depth and breadth required to teach the traditional skills and knowledge required by the heritage industry.

Apprentice Stories

THE MISSION: To ensure that the world’s automotive engineering heritage is maintained and the skills to maintain it are preserved for future generations of engineers and enthusiasts."

Jake - Electrogenic

FAQs on Apprenticeships

AGE LIMITS

There is no upper age limit, therefore experienced applicants without qualifications can apply and gain a qualification along with applicants of any age wishing to make a career change.

WHY CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP

Heritage Engineering Apprenticeships are a springboard to exciting, challenging and rewarding careers. ‘Heritage Skills Academy’ receives applications from university graduates , A Level students and GCSE students. The magic ingredients we are looking for are passion, enthusiasm and interest. If you have this, you can change the world! If an applicant has no qualifications, we will still accept an application and look at each case on an individual basis. For many young people A Levels and University hold little appeal, for those that want to get into work and deal with real life challenges as well as earning a salary, apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunities. By the age of 21 an apprentice can be fully trained and highly regarded in their chosen field.

LONG TERM PROSPECTS

As with any career, the harder a person work the more skilled and valued they become. In the world of restoration, there is a shortage of people with the skills required to maintain, build and restore our engineering heritage. The industry is recognising this and actively encouraging apprenticeships to fill the skills and knowledge gaps that will inevitably appear if training does not take place. Enthusiastic and hardworking apprentices will develop into skilled engineers who will be highly sought after in the UK and abroad.

HOW IS THE COURSE DELIVERED?

Apprentices are full time employed members of staff; they have a contract of employment, a minimum holiday entitlement of 20 days (not including bank holidays) and a right to time off-the-job for study. The employer provides on-the-job training and pays the Apprentices’ wages. They will also attend ‘off-the- job’ training with the Heritage Skills Academy on a block release programme over 36 months. This is delivered over nine one week blocks per year (Monday to Friday) at our Bicester Heritage Training Facilities or Brookland's Museum depending on the course chosen. All apprentices are supported throughout their programme by qualified Assessors and Tutors who will mentor apprentices on any issues that may arise during their apprenticeship.

WAGES

Each employer is responsible for negotiating a salary package, which must at minimum comply with current government pay recommendations.

Employers are encouraged to offer salaries that attract the calibre of applicants they need and demonstrate that the Heritage Industry provides a first-class career with strong prospects.

Click here for National Minimum Wage Rates .

Salary increases after the first year should reflect: