From Apprentices to Skilled Craftsmen: Celebrating Matt and Kieron’s Graduation at British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage (BMH) is proud to celebrate the successful graduation of apprentices Matthew Williams and Kieron Trumper, who have completed their Heritage Skills Academy Coachbuilding Apprenticeship after three and a half years of dedication, learning and hands-on experience.
Joining the business on 14 February 2022, Matt and Kieron embarked on a journey that has seen them develop skills while helping to preserve the heritage of some of Britain’s most iconic classic vehicles.
Throughout their apprenticeship, both apprentices worked across a range of manufacturing processes, contributing to the assembly of MGB, MGB GT and Classic Mini bodyshells, as well as a variety of spare parts for marques including Triumph and Jaguar.
Their primary objectives were to integrate into BMH’s experienced workforce and develop the specialist skills required to build, assemble and straighten bodyshells and spare parts to the exacting standards expected by the company. Over time, they have not only achieved those goals but exceeded expectations.
Developing Heritage Skills
One of the most challenging aspects of the apprenticeship has been mastering the art of panel straightening, a specialist skill that requires patience, precision and a keen eye for detail.
Working in BMH’s unique manufacturing environment is physically demanding and not every individual adapts to the challenges of the role. However, both Matt and Kieron have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience throughout their apprenticeship.
Today, they can independently undertake assembly and straightening work to a very high standard and are considered among a select group within the business capable of carrying out these specialist tasks.
Rising to the Challenge
A major milestone in their journey has been their involvement in both MGB and Mini bodyshell production.
These complex builds require significant skill and attention to detail, and not every member of the workforce is trained to undertake them. Through hard work and determination, Matt and Kieron have progressed to the point where they now work together independently building Mini bodyshells on the main Jig.
Their flexibility has also been recognised across the wider business. When colleagues have been absent, both apprentices have stepped into unfamiliar roles and delivered work to a consistently high standard, demonstrating a maturity beyond their years.
Greg Young – BMH Manufacturing Manager
– “When I see Matt and Kieron working together on a Mini bodyshell build, that’s probably the most impressive thing I can think of. They are young people who show a genuine passion for the products we produce and for the company we all work for.”
Preserving Heritage Tooling
Alongside their coachbuilding and assembly work, Matt and Kieron have also gained experience in the refurbishment of historic manufacturing tooling. As part of this, they learned the specialist process of stoning press tools, including several recently acquired from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Among the tools they worked on were those used in the production of the iconic Range Rover Classic. As custodians of these valuable assets, British Motor Heritage maintains and preserves the tooling so it can continue to be used to manufacture replacement panels and parts for classic vehicles. Through this work, Matt and Kieron have developed an appreciation of the important role these tools play in keeping automotive heritage alive for enthusiasts around the world.
Greg Young, BMH Manufacturing Manager
– “It’s not just about building bodyshells. Matt and Kieron have also learned how to maintain and refurbish historic tooling, helping to preserve the very foundations of heritage vehicle production.”
Passion, Confidence and Teamwork
Having a genuine passion for classic vehicles has undoubtedly contributed to their success. As owners of classic cars themselves, both Matt and Kieron bring enthusiasm and curiosity to every task they undertake.
Over the course of their apprenticeship, their confidence has grown considerably. Colleagues and managers alike have seen them develop into valued team members who are trusted to take on increasingly challenging work.
Ambassadors for the Next Generation
Beyond their day-to-day responsibilities on the shop floor, Matt and Kieron have also played an important role in supporting British Motor Heritage’s partnership with the Heritage Skills Academy.
Each year, BMH welcomes groups of Heritage Skills Academy students to the factory for guided tours, offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the specialist skills and manufacturing processes involved in producing heritage bodyshells and components.
As their confidence and knowledge have grown, both Matt and Kieron have taken the lead in several of these visits, acting as tour guides and ambassadors for the business. Chaperoning groups around the factory, they have explained the various stages of production, demonstrated the different machinery and equipment used throughout the manufacturing process, and shared their own experiences of apprenticeship life at BMH.
The opportunity to lead these tours highlights just how far both apprentices have progressed. Having once been visitors and learners themselves, they are now helping to inspire the next generation of heritage skills professionals by showcasing the opportunities available within the industry.
Their ability to communicate confidently with students, tutors and visitors reflects the personal growth they have achieved during their time at BMH and further demonstrates the trust placed in them by the business.
Investing in the Future
For BMH, apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled craftsmen.
With much of the industry’s specialist knowledge residing within an experienced workforce, programmes such as those delivered in partnership with Heritage Skills Academy help ensure these valuable skills are passed on to future generations.
Their enthusiasm has had a positive impact throughout the business, bringing fresh energy to the shop floor and reinforcing the value of investing in young talent.
Looking Ahead
Although their apprenticeship has now officially concluded, their development journey is only just beginning.
Both apprentices will continue refining their skills and taking on greater responsibility as they progress within the business. With time, BMH hopes they will become the next generation of experts, helping to pass on their knowledge to future apprentices.
Everyone at British Motor Heritage would like to congratulate Matt and Kieron on this fantastic achievement and wish them every success as they continue their careers with the company.
“We are so very proud of both of our apprentices Matt & Kieron. They are an asset to the company as well as the Classic car community and taking them on remains one the best decisions I’ve made during my time at BMH.“
– Graham Payne, MD British Motor Heritage
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