● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact
Heritage vehicle technician apprenticeships blend traditional skills with modern technology
Ollie Priestley, an apprentice at Tolman, is learning to restore classic cars using both traditional methods and modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing. This shift in apprenticeship training reflects a broader trend towards incorporating advanced skills in technical education, as evidenced by a decline in lower-level apprentice enrollments in favor of higher-level programs.
Key points
- Ollie Priestley apprentices at Tolman restoring modern classic cars.
- Apprentices learn digital skills like CAD and 3D printing.
- Government data shows a decline in level two apprenticeships.
Combining Traditional Skills and Technology
Ollie Priestley is pursuing a heritage vehicle technician apprenticeship at Tolman, focusing on restoring modern classic cars. His training includes both traditional restoration techniques and advanced technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing.
Priestley expresses his passion for restoring cars he loves, citing projects like fabricating a gearbox mount for a classic BMW.
Shift in Apprenticeship Training
Tolman's founder, Chris Tolman, contrasts his apprentices with those in mainstream dealerships, noting the need for creative problem-solving rather than simply swapping out parts. This emphasizes the importance of understanding vehicle technology in modern apprenticeship programs.
The Heritage Skills Academy introduced the three-year apprenticeship in 2018, integrating digital skills alongside traditional ones, thereby elevating the program's educational value.
Changes in Apprenticeship Statistics
The UK's government apprenticeship data reveals a decline of nearly 25% in level two intermediate apprenticeships over the past year. In contrast, higher level apprenticeships (levels four to seven) are gaining popularity, coinciding with the introduction of more advanced training programs.
Level three apprenticeships, equivalent to three A-levels, have maintained their numbers as the demand for higher technical skills rises.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Ollie Priestley, an apprentice at Tolman, is learning to restore classic cars using both traditional methods and modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing. This shift in apprenticeship training reflects a broader trend towards incorporating advanced skills in technical education, as evidenced by a decline in lower-level apprentice enrollments in favor of higher-level programs.