Apprentices

Blue Diamond Riley Services Expands via Apprenticeships

Riley specialist Blue Diamond Riley Services has expanded its team with the recruitment of two new apprentice mechanics.

The specialist workshop for vintage and pre-war vintage Rileys is a long-term supporter of both apprenticeships and the Heritage Skills Academy’s Historic Vehicle Restoration Course, Blue Diamond Riley Services and has been working with apprentices since its doors first opened.

John Lomas, Managing Director, said:

“It’s an exciting time for the younger generation to be able to experience true hands-on experience of these vintage cars and we are delighted to work with HSA again.”

John Lomas, Managing Director, Blue Diamond Riley Services

The two new apprentices, Jacob Ewers and Patrick Arney are Blue Diamond’s second and third apprentices picked from the prestigious restoration course and both come with prior knowledge as well as huge enthusiasm.

Jacob Ewers, 19, completed a two-year course in Motorsport Engineering at Bicester and Banbury College and Patrick Arney, 20, has joined from a course in Automotive Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University.

Both apprentices have begun a 40-month training programme, culminating in their end-point evaluation where they must pass a rigorous skills assessment before they graduate into full-time employment.

Patrick Arney purchased a 1933 Riley 9 Monaco
Patrick Arney purchased a 1933 Riley 9 Monaco

As a mark of personal dedication to the process, Patrick Arney purchased a 1933 Riley 9 Monaco at auction, which he has made his daily vehicle getting him to and from work. When asked about his purchase, Arney commented: “I cannot think of a better way to learn the trade than to drive one of the cars that I work on every day!

Lomas added:

“We have been very fortunate to be able to grow our team over the years and our apprenticeship programme is a key part of that. Jacob and Patrick’s experience and industry knowledge shows their commitment to the future of our industry and to our desire to continue to be one of the leading pre-war car restoration companies in the country.”

John Lomas, Managing Director, Blue Diamond Riley Services

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