Heritage Skills Academy

Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) recruits and trains apprentices who are passionate about classic vehicles and historic motorsports. HSA provides hands-on apprenticeships at dedicated academies within Bicester Heritage and Brooklands Museum.

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Who are we?

Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) recruits and trains apprentices who are passionate about heritage vehicles and want to pursue a career in this industry. They have workshops and training facilities dedicated to Heritage Engineering mechanical, coachbuilding, and trim apprenticeships. They are located within Bicester Heritage and Brooklands Museum and provide an environment that embeds you within the world of specialist engineers, historic engineering, and innovative technology.

Age

16+

Location

South East, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands

What do we do?

They offer the following types of apprenticeships, all essential disciplines in the world of historic motor racing and classic vehicle restoration:

  • Heritage Engineering Technician – Mechanical
  • Heritage Engineering Technician – Coachbuilding and Trim

Alongside practical skills, knowledge and behaviours, you will develop core business skills essential to the industry.

The apprenticeship typically lasts 36 months and all apprentices are employed as full-time employees with specialist organisations in the classic car industry. They will receive a contract, at least 20 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays), spend 20% of their time in training with HSA and 80% of their time working with the employer. Employers pay the apprentices wage while they attend nine one-week training blocks per year at HSA’s academies over three years. Qualified Assessors and Tutors offer ongoing support and mentorship.

You can apply for the apprenticeship as a general applicant (we will work with you to locate an appropriate employer local to you), apply for a specific vacancy we are advertising, or with or without an existing job or offer. Contact the HSA if you would like to learn more.

Beyond the apprenticeship, the HSA also offers a range of paid short training courses, from basic maintenance to classic restoration.

Want to get involved?

If an applicant has no qualifications, we will still accept an application and look at each case on an individual basis.

How much does it cost? 

The apprenticeship training is paid for by the Department of Education at a cost of £26,000. You will earn a salary while you train. The short courses are roughly £300 and funded by the individual.

Apply here Apprenticeship Vacancies Find out more Register for a short course

Hear from John Pitchforth, Managing Director, at Heritage Skills Academy

My advice to any young person passionate about heritage engineering is simple—follow that passion. At Heritage Skills Academy, we’re not just looking for qualifications; we’re seeking those with genuine enthusiasm and a desire to work with their hands. Our apprenticeships offer something university often cannot: real-world skills, a salary from day one, and the chance to preserve our engineering heritage for future generations. Based at the iconic Bicester Heritage and Brooklands Museum sites, you’ll be immersed in environments where history meets cutting-edge restoration techniques. Don’t worry if traditional education hasn’t been your strong suit—many of our most successful apprentices found their true calling in our workshops. If you’re ready to become part of something special while developing highly sought-after skills, I encourage you to reach out and apply. Your apprenticeship with us could be the foundation of an extraordinary career in heritage engineering.

Hear from Joe Mellor, Distinction Graduate in Heritage Engineering – Vehicle Mechanical Technician (Level 3 Advanced)

Having been captivated by classic automobiles since childhood, when my father would take me to events like the Goodwood Revival where the exhilarating sights, sounds and smells of heritage cars left an indelible impression, I found this programme to be the perfect stepping stone for my career in restoration. It has equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge required to work independently and safely within the industry. I would 100% encourage others to participate – it’s thoroughly enjoyable and provides valuable qualifications that make a real difference in your professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Inclusion Hub, developed by Motorsport UK and Mission 44, simplifies access to motorsport opportunities for young people, educators, and underrepresented groups. It offers clear pathways into the sport through volunteering, education, career resources, and community-building opportunities.

The Inclusion Hub is available to anyone looking to find opportunities in motorsport. However, the platform is aimed at young people that are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).

The Inclusion Hub will help Motorsport UK and its partners deliver on their mission to make motorsport more inclusive, diverse, and accessible. By providing a comprehensive digital hub, we can ensure that young people, regardless of background, have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in motorsport.

Use the platform’s search and filter tools to explore opportunities based on location, interest, or type (e.g., clubs, volunteering, jobs, or education programmes).

The platform highlights job boards, career guides, webinars, tips, and scholarships. You can also connect with industry leaders and organisations to build your network. Additionally, the platform features extracurricular programmes that can help you build valuable skills and enhance your CV—qualities that employers in the motorsport industry highly value. These programmes include volunteering, club participation, and hands-on experience through STEM-related initiatives, all designed to give you a competitive edge in your career development.

The hub is regularly updated with new opportunities, resources, and success stories to ensure users have the latest information available.
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