Coachbuilding Apprenticeships
At Heritage Skills Academy, we offer two types of apprenticeship programmes: Mechanical and Coachbuilding. Stay on this page to read more about our Coachbuilding apprenticeships.
Coachbuilding Apprenticeship Overview:
Our apprenticeship teaches the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in the heritage and classic automotive industry carrying out tasks relating to design and construction of vehicles ranging from vintage to modern classics. - Duration: 36 months - Apprenticeship level: 3 (Advanced) - Attendance: Block Release (1 week at a time) - Location: Brooklands Museum, Surrey
Specific Skills & Knowledge:
Coachbuilding covers all elements of how the interior and exterior structures of passenger vehicles are built, repaired and restored. A Heritage Engineering Vehicle Coachbuilding and Trim Technician has knowledge and understanding of: - Chassis types, construction and repairs including accident damage - Bodywork shaping, forming and repairs in a range of materials – metals such as steel and aluminium as well as timber and composites - Confidence using fabrication equipment such as wheeling machines, folders, rollers alongside hand skills and tools blending traditional and modern methods - Internal and external trim skills including trimming/upholstery and removal/replacement of glazing - Joining methods including all types of welding – MIG/MAG, TIG, spot (resistance) and oxy-acetylene plus brazing, mechanical fixings and adhesives - Creating and working from technical drawings to manufacture components Plus, much more covered in the 3 year course.
Duration & Qualifications
The typical duration will be 36 months. Timescales may vary depending on any prior qualifications and experience. Apprentices will need to achieve level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Your Coach Building Apprenticeship
Application Process
Stage 1)
Learn about our course paths:
[Mechanical] or [Coachbuilding]
Choose your preferred route and [Apply].
Our team will consider your application.
Stage 4)
Applicants that pass these tests will then be sent pre-assessment forms for completion, before receiving an initial assessment and interview (IA) date to attend at Bicester Motion.
Note: These dates will be sent to you when they are available. If none are available, there may be a short delay in this email being sent.
Stage 7)
Successful applicants are given their options depending on which application they’ve made.
Job search is a shared duty between our recruitment team and the candidate to find the best match. You will be expected to put in the work to find employment.
Stage 2)
We'll let you know the outcome of your application within 48 hrs.
Note: If you're unsuccessful, we'll advise on avenues to strengthen your application before re-applying.
Stage 5) Initial Assessment day
9:30: Arrival
9:35-10:35: Intro and presentation.
10:35-11: Coffee and comfort break, & tour of workshop onsite.
11-12: Practical Assessment in the classroom.
12:00-14:30: Interviews commence as soon as you have finished your practical assessment.
Stage 8)
You'll need to interview and prove yourself to your new employer - giving them the confidence to take you on for the length of your studies.
Your employer believes in you! It's up to you to show up, work hard and give 100% to your apprenticeship.
Stage 3)
If you're application is successful, you'll be sent two tests to complete online. You'll hear back within 48 hrs if you've passed or failed.
Note: If un-successful you'll be given advice on next steps, and when you can reapply.
Stage 6)
You'll know the outcome of your application on the day at interview.
Note: If you're unsuccessful, we will advise how you can take your next steps with the option to re-apply at a later stage.
Stage 9)
Your apprenticeship consist of both work & study.
You'll earn while you learn!
After 3 years you'll be qualified in your role and will be eligible to earn a qualified salary.
What will I be earning?
Each employer is responsible for negotiating a salary package which must as a minimum comply with current government recommendations on pay.
As a guide, we recommend that employers provide an offer which attracts the calibre of applicant they require and gives confidence that the Heritage Industry offers a first class career with exciting prospects.
Click for National Minimum Wage Guidelines
Where will I be employed & take class?
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Our recruitment team will help match you with a suitable employer close to your home.
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9 weeks per year, you’ll attend class training at our Brooklands site alongside your tutor and fellow apprentices.
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Your employer will cover any necessary travel and overnight accommodation costs.
Address: Heritage Skills Academy, The Flight Shed, Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, KT13 0SL
