We’re shining a light on the innovators shaping the future of the classic and historic sector.... Meet Kyra Hill from the Heritage Skills Academy.

At the heart of this industry lies a dedicated workforce, people responsible for keeping our beloved motors roadworthy, maintained to the highest standards, and cared for by those who truly understand them. They can track down the source of that mysterious rattle under the bonnet. They can resurrect the engine buried in the depths of your garage (the one you swore you’d sort tomorrow). And, crucially, they understand the skills and knowledge that must be passed on to the next generation.

So where do fresh talent and aspiring heritage engineers go for training that’s truly in a league of its own? Answer: Heritage Skills Academy.

Nestled within Bicester Motion and the iconic Brooklands Museum is what might just be the industry’s best-kept secret. Delivering specialist apprenticeships in heritage engineering and coachbuilding, the Academy is powered by passionate individuals who sit firmly at the heart of its mission.

One of them is Kyra Hill, HSA’s Operations Manager, a familiar face in the industry and a driving force behind attracting new talent. We sat down with her to explore why organisations like HSA really matter, and why collaboration is key to driving change.

In 2018, a pioneering group of industry professionals came together with a shared concern: heritage craftsmanship skills were at risk. They recognised the need for a qualification tailored specifically to the sector and set out to address the long-term threat of a growing skills gap.

The result? Apprenticeship programmes carefully developed and refined to meet real industry demand.

P & A Wood, Essex-based Rolls-Royce specialists, hosted the first cohort of apprentices, delivering training in-house. From there, momentum built quickly; word spread, and the impact became clear.

Eight years on, the Mechanical programme is welcoming its 27th cohort, while Coach Building has reached its tenth.

Training at HSA goes far beyond modern mechanical qualifications. Working on heritage vehicles demands a different skill set, one rooted in craftsmanship and deep mechanical understanding.

While mainstream training leans heavily on electronics and modern systems, those approaches don’t always translate to classic cars.

Here, the focus is hands-on. Apprentices strip and rebuild components, learn the role of every part, and understand the why behind each mechanism, often with a trusty Haynes manual close at hand.

The three-year programmes are class-leading and so in high demand. For anyone considering this path, Kyra offers clear advice:

• Prove your passion. Demonstrate that your deep-seated interest has already meant that you’re getting your hands dirty; provide evidence of what you’re tinkering with and how much enjoyment it brings.
• Get out there. Visit local classic car meets and events. If you’re near a racetrack, investigate if there’s any classic and historic racing taking place, you never know what opportunities might be on offer.
• Know the commitment. Apprenticeships require dedication. You’ll be balancing full-time work with study, so be sure it’s the right fit.
• Embrace your journey. There’s no single route into this sector. If your path is more colourful than conventional, that’s no bad thing.

StarterMotor and HSA work hand in hand to support the next generation. While HSA delivers specialist training and qualifications, StarterMotor acts as a conduit, guiding, educating and inspiring young enthusiasts through outreach and real-world experiences, and showcasing the breadth of careers available.

Both recognise that careers and community in this world are symbiotic; one cannot exist without the other.

Looking ahead, Kyra is optimistic. With a plan to place up to 80 apprentices into training and employment in the coming year, there’s a strong sense that the sector is moving in the right direction. Interest continues to grow, and early graduates are now thriving as workshop managers and respected industry figures.

Substantive progress is being made to address the ageing demographic of the industry. Seeing the role HSA is playing in revitalising the sector is hugely rewarding for Kyra and the whole team.

How you can support the Heritage Skills Academy

Donate tools
Building a toolkit is expensive, and apprentices rely on quality equipment to learn their trade. Those unused tools gathering dust in your garage can make a real difference.

Be welcoming
Encourage and support newcomers. The community has given you a lot, help others discover just how rewarding it can be.