John has worked in automotive apprenticeship training since 1986, he has been the CEO of a number of Training Providers and started the ‘Heritage Skills Academy’ in response to a widening skills gap within the restoration sector.

Working closely with engineering restoration specialists from the vehicle, aviation, marine and steam world, he has helped lead the development of the new ‘Heritage Engineering Apprenticeship Standard’ and to secure the funding to ensure high quality training the team have successfully developed and are delivering a training programme tailored to the requirements of this specialist industry. 

I started working in the apprenticeship training world over 25 years ago and have had the privilege of watching countless young people develop into skilled professionals. My proudest achievement was transforming Skillnet into a thriving business whilst earning Centre of Vocational Excellence status - one of the first in the UK. Working in the motor industry apprenticeship sector taught me that the best training programmes are built around real relationships between employers, apprentices, and passionate trainers.

I've also founded and scaled other successful businesses, but nothing excites me more than Heritage Skills Academy's unique mission. There's something truly special about preserving the craftsmanship and engineering skills that built our automotive heritage, whilst giving the next generation the tools they need to keep these traditions alive. I believe the magic happens when we combine time-honoured techniques with modern training methods - that's where real learning takes place.

Andrew has been employed within the Vehicle Body Repair Industry/ Education for over 30 years and has had experience of a main dealer apprenticeship and training throughout his career. He is an experienced college lecturer, having worked in inner London and beyond.

Andrew is a keen car enthusiast and enjoys maintaining, showcasing and attending track days with his classic Beetle race car, which he custom built with students. He is a former scout leader and community volunteer. Andrew's passion for classic car restoration is clear to see and he is an advocate for combining modern technology with traditional craftsmanship.

Rob has a passion for all things engineering with a special interest in Vintage & Classic cars.​ He served an engineering apprenticeship at British Leyland Longbridge where he gained his love of old Austin’s and now races a 1928 Heavy 12/4 Special which he built in his home workshop alongside his 73 Wolseley Six, Rob has built or restored many vintage vehicles over the years including close copies of T35 & T59 Bugatti’s.​

Robs other passion is passing on his wide knowledge to apprentices having taught general engineering for 10 years and was also Centre Lead for most of that time before joining HSA. Rob is proud to have served on the committee of The Austin Ex-Apprentices Association for over 30 years.​ Rob said “We need to pass on these skills to the next generations before they are lost forever, so this is my dream job”

Mark started as an apprentice in the motor trade working for a dealerships on Ferrari, Porsche and later Vauxhall cars. Then decided to move to plant equipment were diagnosing and repairing equipment on site required an engineering approach.

After becoming service manager, he decided to have a fresh challenge teaching apprentices in his local college. Later moving onto powered access operator training and issuing licences. He has a special interest in electrical and hydraulic engineering and is passionate about Rootes group cars of which he has owned several over the years.

Matt has worked exclusively in the motor trade, for independent garages and specialists, gaining a wide range of knowledge and skills in older vehicles and modern classics. He has carried out military service, in a variety of theatres and later as a service engineer and restoration technician.​

Matt has been teaching Motor Vehicle Studies in Further Education Colleges across the south of England for the last 20 years and has a wealth of teaching experience for students of all ages and abilities, delivering bespoke learning for individuals.  He has a real passion for teaching the restoration of old vehicles, cars and motorcycles. Matt says” I enjoy showing our students what they can achieve especially with heritage vehicles, it’s a privilege to work with them”. 

Mark’s background in prototyping and panel making, along with his enthusiasm for passing on his knowledgeable tips and tricks, make him the perfect Guest Tutor to support the Coachbuilding teaching team of Andy and Grace.
 

Having had the opportunity to work on a variety of cars throughout his career in the industry - including Bugatti, Riley, and Sunbeam (just to name a few!) - Mark brings a wealth of experience and alternative methods to share with the apprentices. They truly value his words of wisdom, especially as they progress to the advanced and more challenging stages of Year 3.

Organised, approachable, and people-focused, I’m proud to be part of the recruitment journey here at HSA. As a Recruitment Administrator, I’m often the first point of contact for our applicants - responding to enquiries, coordinating invitations to Initial Assessments, and supporting interviews. I enjoy creating a smooth and welcoming candidate experience from start to finish.

Alongside recruitment, I also support our Apprentices through regular reviews, ensuring they feel encouraged and confident as they grow in their roles. Watching people develop their skills and succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I also play an active role in helping to improve and streamline our processes, including
supporting the implementation of new automation systems. By making our systems work smarter, I help free up time and resources so that we can focus more on people and their
progression.

Whether it’s supporting candidates, apprentices, or colleagues, my aim is always the same: to keep things running smoothly while making sure everyone feels valued along the way.

Phil worked within the public sector for over 40 years, originally training as a civil engineer, then serving 10 years with Thames Valley Police before injury forced an early retirement. He then went on to work within Local Government as a Benefit Fraud Investigator, before joining the NHS in 2004, initially as a Local Counter Fraud Specialist and then qualifying as a trainer for a number of specialist topics including Safeguarding. Phil has served as Safeguarding Lead for several organisations, including a Scout Group, Primary School and a Brass Band.

Phil spent 7.5 years as the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression Lead at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, before retiring from the role in July 2025.

Richard Lefevre started his career as a Ford technical apprentice back in the days of Granadas and Cortinas.

He progressed through the retail motor trade, taking on most garage positions as well as roles with car manufacturers. He went on to establish his own garage operations, eventually becoming Managing Director of Lucas Autocentre.

In 2018, he became involved with Heritage Skills Academy, and following his recent retirement from Lucas, he has continued his teaching work.

Gary began his career as an apprentice truck technician, gaining valuable skills in vehicle maintenance.

After completing his apprenticeship, he joined the transport team of a national retail organisation, broadening his expertise to include cars and vans and progressing into operations management within the transport department. He later moved into the apprenticeship sector as an NVQ assessor in the motor industry, before founding and running a direct marketing business within the FE sector.

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Following this, and having returned to apprenticeships as an engineering trainer, Gary found himself specialising in End Point Assessments (EPAs) and related processes. His enduring passion for vehicle maintenance and restoration, as well as motorsport, has been a constant throughout his career.

At HSA, Gary draws on his diverse experience to support others’ professional development and contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

With more than 60 years of experience across engineering, research, education, and design, I bring a practical, problem-solving approach to everything I do. I began my career with a five-year Automobile Design Apprenticeship in the British motor industry, followed by a decade in Research and Development with Rootes/Chrysler.

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After completing a Cert. Ed in CDT, I spent over 30 years teaching and assessing in Vehicle and Construction disciplines up to degree level, including extensive work with apprenticeships. I have also contributed to awarding bodies through course design, exam development, moderation, and support for two Motor Vehicle Trailblazer groups.

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Alongside my education and industry work, I have delivered a wide range of design and engineering projects, from prototype sports cars, electric race motorcycles, and specialist sprint bikes to agricultural building conversions, furniture design, theatre sets, environmental engineering, and consultancy for manufacturers and race teams.

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My career is driven by a love of hands-on engineering, innovation, and a strong belief in the value of apprenticeships.

Janice joined the HSA team in January 2018 and brings 20 years of organisational experience to the company. Operating from our Head Office at Bicester Heritage, her role includes employer engagement, recruitment and administration.

Acting as the primary contact with employers and apprentices, Janice ensures that all operational aspects of the business are handled quickly and effectively.

Kyra has brought a wealth of knowledge to Heritage Skills Academy due to working in excess of 10 years within the classic sector and with a leading restoration company based near Bicester. Part of her previous job role was to manage two apprentices.  

Realising the importance of retaining the skill sets, Kyra changed job roles in June 2022 and is now the Operations Manager and works closely with Janice Pitchforth. Her job role is now to build strong links with employers, apprentices and assist with the recruitment process.  There is never a dull day at Heritage Skills Academy and Kyra has become a vital team member.

Tony having left school at sixteen and completed his Motor Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship while working at a Volvo main dealer, he then continued to work within the retail sector with Porsche Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes Benz.

While at Mercedes Benz he got the opportunity to work with the apprentices guiding them with skills he felt they were lacking and from this he moved on to working for manufacture's Apprenticeship Programs, VW Group, Mercedes-Benz; and then on to support apprentices within the Independent sector across the South of England , coaching and mentoring them to gain all the skills they required to achieve their individual qualifications.​ “I feel that with all the experience I have gained with working with motor vehicle apprentices for the last 18 years, I’m in a position to step up to the standards of the Heritage Skills Academy and coach this unique group of apprentices successfully”​.

Mick has a passion for all things mechanical with a special interest in Classic cars.​ He served a full 23-year career in the British Army, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) gaining the rank of Warrant Officer class 1, the highest non-commissioned rank.​

During his career he has served in various countries and war zones around the world and has worked on a vast amount of equipment ensuring that they were all kept roadworthy and available for the users at all times.​ He currently owns a 1972 MGB roadster which he is continuing to restore in his spare time. Mick’s passion is passing on his skills both verbally and practically that he has learnt throughout his mechanical career to the younger generation before the skills fade away forever.​ Mick stated, “taking on the role as a Development Coach (DC) is a dream come true which ticks all his boxes”.

Grace has been an avid supporter of Drag Racing for a long time and is regularly found at Santa Pod Raceway where she’s a crew chief for a Plymouth Superbird. The team has been successful and achieved runner-up in 2 Championships in 2025!

Grace had great practical opportunities at school including building and flying a light aircraft plane and received 3 awards at the annual Design and Technology exhibition for her A Level projects which really cemented her keenness to follow a career in a hands-on industry.

Employed at G&A Fabrications from 2016 to 2022 repairing and restoring historic race and road cars she also graded Distinction* in every unit of her Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship at Brooklands College.

Grace joined HSA to pass on her skills specialising in fabrication, welding and traditional methods to hopefully encourage more people into the industry she is so passionate about preserving and expanding.

Grace still very much enjoys doing work herself and has her own business taking on projects to keep her skills and ability growing – you never stop learning!

Paul has worked in a wide range of companies in the motor trade either running my own businesses or training students and apprentices. He started off as an HGV apprentice with a truck importer during which time he restored his own Triumph Stag. He worked briefly in a small family run garage before starting my own business with a friend. As with a lot of small businesses there were no wages, but he did get a Brand-new Ford Capri 2.8 special as a company car.​ During this time, Paul took his first stint at lecturing at Wycombe College.

He moved more and more into restoring classic and sports cars and featured in Autocar with a fully restored MGA. Paul also worked in a main dealer and this evolved into starting another business specialising in SAABs.​ An opportunity arose to manage an Injection Moulding company manufacturing parts for the car industry. During this time, Paul trained as a Paintless Dent Removal technician and left the company to follow this path setting up a business he still runs on a part time basis. 13 years ago Paul started to lecturer Motor Vehicle Technology in FE colleges in West London and continue this to this day. He joined Heritage Skills Academy in April 2019.

Rikki Pankhurst is a British entrepreneur and the founder of Pankhurst Cycles, a specialist bike shop located in Reading, England. With a passion for cycling and a commitment to quality service, he has built a reputation for expertise in road, 0ff road and track, as well as a curated collection of vintage bikes from the golden era of cycling. His shop has gained recognition in the UK cycling community, including being featured in Cycling Weekly's coverage of Britain's Best Bike Mechanic finalists. ​

Having grown up in the dickie seats of a Triumph Roadster 1800, and in the sidings of preserved steam railways, Rikki has a lifelong passion for heritage engineering  across many different fields, but it is the time spent on the rally fields that have had the biggest influence, leading to a new career within the industry, and the continued preservation of "Nell" the Morris Minor.

Kaela has spent the majority of her career working in the automotive sector or in education both in business management and teaching. She joined HSA in early 2023 supporting the team and apprentices throughout their journey with administration support and more recently with their End Point Assessments.

Kaela says ‘I feel very privileged to be working with such a great team and have the opportunity of watching the apprentices thrive and develop with their support’.

Currently working at HSA as a workshop technician, looking after tools and equipment, purchasing, and ensuring standards.
 

In 1971, aged 16, I joined the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers and completed a Mechanical/Armoured Vehicle Apprenticeship, subsequently specialising in major assembly tank repair in the field, mainly based in Europe (British Army on the Rhine, 11 Field Workshop Minden) and Canada (British Army Training Unit Suffield).
 

On leaving the Army, after a brief spell working in a garage, I spent five years in Essex Police based in Southend-on-Sea, before leaving to start a marine repair service. However, the travel bug kicked back in, so I joined VSO in Sierra Leone, working with artisan fishermen to introduce them to diesel engine technology and improve their seagoing fishing boats.

At the end of the contract, I joined Oxfam and the United Nations, spending time in Cambodia post-Khmer Rouge, Iraq post-Gulf War 1, the Pakistan/Afghanistan border (UNHCR Afghan Refugee Programme and UN-HABITAT Kabul Water Treatment Works), and Bosnia during the war and the breakup of Yugoslavia. During this time, I worked on or managed engineering projects, delivered water programmes, and provided frontline humanitarian aid to refugees and internally displaced communities.
 

On return to the UK, based in Oxford, I liaised with multilateral funding agencies on behalf of Oxfam to raise emergency budgets in response to natural and man-made crises, mainly during the Africa Great Lakes era following the Rwanda and DR Congo refugee crisis.
 

On leaving Oxfam, I set up a building company in Oxford but retained engineering links as a hobby, becoming involved with car and motorcycle restorations. I also became Chairman of the British Historic Kart Club until recently, organising events and participation. I continue this hobby and maintain a collection of karts and a ‘Pigsty’ Austin 7 Special, which are regularly shown or demonstrated at events (and occasionally used as training aids with apprentice groups).

With over 35 years of experience in the crash repair and vehicle restoration industry, I come from a strong coachbuilding background. I began my career at Toyota, completing a five-year apprenticeship where I was fortunate to learn from three outstanding mentors who shaped my approach to craftsmanship and learning.

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As an apprentice, I was eager to develop my skills as quickly as possible. I teamed up with one of the painters I worked alongside, who later became my business partner, and we began taking on our own projects. This hands-on work accelerated my learning and deepened my passion for the trade.

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We focused heavily on restoration work, which is where my love for classic cars truly took hold. Attending shows, seeing the incredible craftsmanship on display, and eventually taking on my own restoration project, an AVO Escort MK1 Mexico, confirmed that this was the path for me.

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We later ran a business offering restoration, insurance and contract work for a range of established companies. This experience gave me valuable insight into the industry from an employer's perspective as well as a technician's.

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Most recently, I worked at Morton's Classic Cars, where I had the opportunity to support an apprentice on the Heritage Skills Academy programme. When I left, I felt strongly about giving back to the industry that has given me so much. After speaking with that apprentice, my details were passed on to Grace and John, who invited me to discuss how I could contribute my industry experience, and the rest is history.

​Emily is onboard part time to assist with marketing admin and support. Her background is working at a variety of different startups in Sales and Marketing roles.