RREC Classic Car Apprentices Recognised at NEC
Published: 11/12/2019
On Saturday 9th November 2019, the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club Great Western Section was proud to recognise two apprentices for their contribution to the classic car industry. The award ceremony took place at the NEC Classic Motor Show on the RREC stand.
The RREC Great Western Section devised a program to support and encourage young apprentice engineers working in the field of restoration and maintenance of vintage and classic cars.
The purpose of the scheme is two fold:-
- To encourage companies in the classic vehicle industry to train apprentices to acquire craft skills. The skills we recognise relate to the renovation & the manufacture of replacement parts for vintage and classic vehicles.
- To reward and recognise the achievement and progress of apprentices with relevant useful prizes.
The program was lead by Russ Herbert and supported by Keith Taylor and John Ball who formed the interview panel.
The apprentices chose their own prizes, a selection of tools and instruments, that were sponsored by the club and their employer.
First to be recognised with an award was Zach White.
He has been with AJ Glew for over 2 years and was formerly with an armoured division in the British Army. He demonstrated tool making skills and constantly researches the vehicles he is working on as they are usually of historical importance. He is attending the Heritage Skills Academy at Bicester. This was the first of 2 awards that Zack would receive at the show.
Susan Glew accepted the award on behalf of Zack's employer. This was the second time that the Great Western Section had made the award to A J Glew, the first time being in 2017. Their commitment to preserving and developing the necessary skills to keep historic vehicles on the road is to be applauded.
Our second apprentice to be recognised was Simon Pickering
He has been working for Formhalls for less than a year. He demonstrated his passion for working in the industry by knocking on the doors of business owners. Charles & Evie Tanner took Simon under their wing and he has demonstrated both the skills and aptitude to be worthy of recognition in a very short period of time.
Simon is also studying at the Heritage Skills Academy Bicester. Simon could also be found at the Practical Classics Magazine stand demonstrating the work he had carried out in the renovation of a Riley 2.5litre engine.
Charles Tanner accepted the award on behalf of Simon's employer Formhalls Vintage and Racing run by Charles and Evie Tanner. They have restored, repaired and re-manufactured bearings and engine blocks for some of the world’s greatest cars.
