Mechanical Apprenticeships
At Heritage Skills Academy, we offer two types of apprenticeship programmes: Mechanical and Coachbuilding. Stay on this page to read more about our Mechanical apprenticeships.
Mechanical Apprenticeship Overview:
This apprenticeship teaches the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours relating to vehicle mechanical systems ranging from vintage to Modern classics. - Duration: 36 months - Apprenticeship level: 3 (Advanced) - Attendance: Block Release - Location: Bicester Heritage
Specific Knowledge:
A Heritage Engineering Vehicle Mechanical Technician has knowledge and understanding of: - Appropriate heritage vehicle mechanical terminology and the history of vehicle technologies and their applications. - Inspection, assessment and preservation of the mechanical condition of historic vehicles. - Operation of historic vehicle systems safely and without damage to components and systems. - The principles of motive power construction, their application and operation; such as rotary, radial, sleeve-valve, in line, V, W, Broad Arrow, opposed piston, twin crankshaft, naturally aspirated and forced induction spark ignition and compression ignition engines, high and low pressure external combustion engines and historic electric motors. - How to lift, secure, service, maintain vehicle systems, investigate and rectify faults. - Chassis design principles, construction and historical use of materials and jointing methods. - Auxiliary systems such as cable and rod operated external or internal band brakes, hydrostatic brakes, pipework and pressure systems. Fuel systems including fuel types, storage and delivery. Damping, suspension and steering principles, design and use of liquids, fuels, coolants and oils (Vegetable and mineral). - Powertrain; such as cone or centrifugal clutches, chain, gear, or belt drive, pre-selector, sliding mesh and constant mesh gearboxes, fast and loose pulleys, fluid flywheels, torque converters, torque tube, open and final drive variations. - Electrics; such as magnetos, trembler coils, distributors, generators, current control devices and other power sources. - Re-manufacture of components: techniques and use of historic materials and processes including modern materials and techniques where appropriate.
Specific Skills:
A Heritage Engineering Vehicle Mechanical Technician can: - Operate historic vehicles and systems safely and without damage to components and systems. - Conduct and record inspections and assessments relating to historic vehicles and systems taking into account the historic pedigree and use of materials & processes. - Produce technical drawings, use a range of measuring techniques including the use of metric and imperial measuring systems. - Implement plans to preserve, repair, disassemble, re-assemble or re-manufacture the range of historic vehicles systems and components. - Lift/jack, support and lower historic vehicles safely and without damage to chassis, components or systems. - Service, maintain and repair the range of historic motive power systems. - Service, maintain and repair historic vehicle auxiliary systems. - Retain originality of materials and apply/use preservation techniques where appropriate. - Re-manufacture components using hand skills, milling, turning, grinding and fabrication skills appropriate to the particular vehicle. - Use mechanical, non-mechanical & thermal jointing processes including riveting, glues, soldering, brazing, mig, tig, spot & arc welding.
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.
Application Process for Apprenticeships
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 Bicester 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, Unit 90, Bicester Heritage, Launton Road, Bicester, OX26 5HA
