Ollie Priestley, 29, is training as a heritage vehicle technician at specialist car restoration business Tolman in Warwickshire, according to the BBC. His apprenticeship combines traditional skills like welding and glazing with modern technologies including computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing.
Apprenticeship Evolution
The three-year programme, delivered through the Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) in Bicester, was introduced in 2018 as a level three apprenticeship – the equivalent of three A-levels. It replaces the previous level two and three "classic vehicle framework" apprenticeship. HSA managing director John Pitchforth said the new curriculum is "radically improved" as it combines "modern technology with engineering fundamentals," the BBC reported.
Industry Perspectives
Chris Tolman, founder of Tolman, said the skills Priestley gains set him apart from mainstream dealership apprentices who, due to digital tools, are becoming "just fitters." He told the BBC: "The computer identifies the issue and they swap the part. For specialist car businesses, our technicians need to identify and understand a problem, and then be creative and innovative to find the answer."
Priestley, based in Leicestershire, said he wanted to develop skills to work on cars he loves, like the Peugeot 205 GTi. "Getting to know how to make things keeps me focused and engaged. I've just fabricated a gearbox mount for a classic BMW. It's cool to know that the things I create will bring the car back to life," he told the BBC.
Data on Apprenticeship Levels
Government apprenticeship data shows that the number of people starting level two intermediate apprenticeships fell by nearly a quarter over the past year, the BBC reported. Meanwhile, higher-level apprenticeships – level four to seven – have grown in popularity. Level three apprenticeship numbers have remained stable. Level six and seven correspond to bachelor's and master's degrees respectively.
Technology's Role in Training
Chris Iveson, CEO of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics in Sheffield, which works with local manufacturers, said: "The modern apprentice is increasingly learning two things at once: the practical skill of making, and the digital skill of using technology to understand what is happening in production."
Pitchforth argued that HSA apprentices emerge highly skilled. He told the BBC: "When modern engineers come to us to transfer into our sector, they often lack the basic engineering principles and are unable to diagnose and repair vehicle systems without a computer telling them what's wrong."
Implications for Manufacturing
For manufacturing executives and plant managers, the shift in apprenticeship training signals that workforce development must blend digital literacy with hands-on trade skills. As technology automates diagnostic tasks, the ability to creatively solve problems and apply fundamental engineering principles becomes a competitive differentiator. The decline in lower-level intermediate apprenticeships suggests a structural change in how the industry attracts and develops talent, with higher-level programmes potentially better preparing workers for complex manufacturing roles.
| Apprenticeship Level | Recent Trend |
|---|---|
| Level two (intermediate) | Down nearly a quarter |
| Level three (advanced) | Stable |
| Levels four to seven (higher) | Rising |
Production Timeline
Priestley is currently undertaking his three-year apprenticeship, which began in 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in 2027.
