Shaping the Future of Classic Car Craftsmanship – Harvey’s Journey with the Heritage Skills Academy

2 min reading time

Preserving automotive history takes more than just passion - it takes skill, hands-on experience, and the right training. That’s exactly what the Heritage Skills Academy offers: a pathway for young enthusiasts to turn their love of classic and high-end cars into lifelong careers. One of those aspiring craftspeople is Harvey, an apprentice based in Norfolk, whose journey is already turning heads.

A Passion Sparked Early:

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with cars and anything with wheels,” Harvey shares. That passion eventually led him to study general motor mechanics at a local college after leaving high school. But his real journey began when he joined Stratton Motor Company, a specialist in iconic marques like Aston Martin, Lotus, Jaguar, and Ferrari.

“At Stratton, we have both a Bodyshop and a mechanical workshop,” Harvey explains. “We do everything from full resprays to detailed body repairs.”

Crafting Skills That Last a Lifetime:

Now well into his ninth training block at the Heritage Skills Academy, Harvey is already building a strong foundation in traditional automotive restoration techniques.

“We’ve learnt so many new skills already,” he says. “From MIG and spot welding, to working with English wheels and Jenny Machines/Bedrollers. We’ve even covered more specialist skills like technical drawing.”

And it's not just the tools and techniques that make the experience exceptional, it's the people. “Andy and Grace are incredibly knowledgeable,” Harvey notes. “We learn so much in just one week of training with them.”

A Training Ground Like No Other: Brooklands Museum

Located within the historic Brooklands Museum, the Academy offers students an inspiring and immersive environment. “Being based at Brooklands is surreal,” Harvey says. “We’ve been on Concorde, explored old race cars, and even made phone calls home from the top of a vintage London bus in the museum!”

With free access to the museum during lunch breaks, apprentices like Harvey get to experience a tangible connection to the history they’re helping preserve.

Looking Ahead:

For Harvey, the Heritage Skills Academy is more than just a training program, it’s the bridge between passion and profession. With every skill learned and every classic car restored, he’s not just learning a trade, he’s becoming part of a legacy.

Interested in a career in heritage vehicle restoration?
The Heritage Skills Academy is the perfect place to start. From world-class instructors to hands-on experience with vintage vehicles, this is where the next generation of classic car specialists are made.