2 minute read - 16th August 2022
Tiger Trailers launches new apprenticeship programme
Cheshire-based Tiger Trailers has launched a unique new coachbuilding apprenticeship, in partnership with the Heritage Skills Academy. It will offer apprentices the chance to gain skills working on classic cars, vans, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles at Brooklands Museum and Bicester Heritage, sites steeped in automotive history.
Applications are open for the new Heritage Engineering Technician Apprenticeship in Classic Vehicle Coachbuilding, which combines traditional skills with cutting-edge technology. Working with specialist teams, apprentices will be taught about the history and development of materials and vehicle construction, hand skills, design and pattern development, while working with composite materials, welding, fabrication including bending, folding, creating jigs and frames, and the removal and replacement of components.
Employment with Tiger Trailers in a skilled role is guaranteed to apprentices graduating from the programme, with the prospect of a long-term career with progression opportunities including managerial roles. A Heritage Engineering Technician (HET) Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification will be awarded by HSA at the end of the 42-month course.
Cheshire-based Tiger Trailers has launched and opened applications for a unique new coachbuilding apprenticeship / Picture: Tiger Trailers
Abigail Lee, HR manager at Tiger Trailers, said: “We are extremely proud to be able to offer this unique, exciting and highly specialised new apprenticeship, which gives the next generation of trailer coachbuilders an incomparable opportunity to learn at iconic sites like Bicester Heritage and Brooklands while surrounded by classic vehicles of all sizes right up to airplanes including Concorde.
“Tiger has always been passionate about apprenticeships, and we hope that our new partnership with HSA will lead to other exciting developments in the future while ensuring that our products are built to the highest standards, alongside the strong benefits we offer and our active part in local education and community.”
A starting salary from £12,506 is offered and the apprenticeship is delivered on a block release basis, with enrolees attending HSA’s academy at Brooklands in Surrey on average every 5 weeks for a 5-day block of training running from Monday to Friday. The remaining 80% of the time is spent working in Tiger Trailers’ 168,000 sq ft modern trailer manufacturing facility, with the firm covering accommodation and travel costs during training.
Those interested in enrolling can obtain more information from Tiger Trailers’ website, which directs applicants to the government’s ‘find an apprenticeship’ service where they can formally apply. Applications close in early September, with an anticipated course start date of October.
John Pitchforth, Heritage Skills Academy’s managing director, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Tiger on this new apprenticeship programme. Teaching new and old coachbuilding skills is so important to keeping the UK industry at the forefront of design and build. The Tiger apprenticeship offers excellent career prospects for a long and interesting career with a world class company.”