Heritage Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Mechanical – Classic Vehicle restoration)

GTO Engineering is seeking an Apprentice Powertrain Technician to work on historic Ferrari engines, gearboxes, and assemblies. This role is ideal for someone passionate about mechanical engineering, historic cars, and precision assembly, offering hands-on training across restoration, fabrication, and motorsport with a core focus on Powertrain.

Most of your apprenticeship will involve on-the-job learning and practical experience.

Requirements

• GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4 or higher)
• Strong communication, attention to detail, organisation, customer care, problem-solving, presentation, administrative, number, analytical, and team working skills
• Ability to be logical, creative, show initiative, be non-judgemental, and possess patience
• Physical fitness
• Previous classic vehicle work experience is useful but not essential
• Applications are welcomed from university graduates looking to apply their degree to 'old school' engineering challenges
• High expectation that successful candidates will work hard, be conscientious, and represent the company well. Appearance, attitude, timekeeping, and personal presentation will be considered throughout the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the stripping, inspection, cleaning, and preparation of historic engines, gearboxes, and axle assemblies
• Learning about the history and development of vehicles, components, and materials to complete complex restoration projects while maintaining GTO's hallmark quality
• Technical Drawing, welding, business studies, and advanced diagnostics
• Applying current Health & Safety practices, identifying hazards and risks, and complying with regulations
• Disassembling and assembling constructs, using recording methods to preserve knowledge
• Applying continuous improvement processes (e.g., Kaizen, Workplace Organisation)
• Developing and implementing appropriate delivery plans to complete tasks within agreed timescales
• Applying industry-recognised/best practice standards during restoration
• Planning and obtaining necessary resources for work activities
• Using correct original or contemporary tools, processes, procedures, and equipment for inspection, removal, renovation, and reassembly
• Identifying various forms of corrosion, chemical reaction, and degradation, and treating them accordingly
• Applying Non-Destructive Techniques (NDT)
• Using mechanical, non-mechanical, and thermal jointing processes (riveting, glues, soldering, brazing, welding)
• Applying appropriate and approved diagnostic procedures and equipment with logical problem-solving techniques
• Restoring the work area upon completion of activities
• Dealing with customers to ensure satisfaction and exceed expectations
• Using appropriate aviation terminology (where applicable)
• Fully documenting and recording all work to EASA/CAA requirements (where applicable)
• Surveying Heritage Aircraft and classifying damage
• Applying appropriate conservation treatments with minimum physical intervention
• Correctly identifying and employing appropriate riveting techniques
• Manufacturing and replacing aircraft panels/components using conforming material
• Using sealants for aerodynamic smoothness and to prevent air/fluid leakage
• Undertaking jacking & lifting operations safely
• Assessing the external condition of aircraft electrical systems, instruments, and power-plant
• Utilising appropriate conservation techniques for electrical systems, instruments, and power-plant
• Removing and storing equipment in a controlled, bonded, secure facility
• Servicing, maintaining, operating, fault finding, and rectifying/repairing prime movers (steam, electric, petrol, diesel engines)
• Servicing, maintaining, operating, fault finding, and rectifying/repairing propulsion systems
• Fault finding and rectifying/repairing Heritage vessels auxiliary systems (electrical, fuel, cooling, plumbing)
• Servicing, maintaining, operating, rectifying, and repairing vessel steering components
• Manufacturing replacement components using conforming materials (wood, metal, fabric)
• Undertaking lifting, slinging, jacking operations safely for large heavy objects on vessels
• Managing processes for effective vessel assessment (historical significance, fabric condition)
• Managing processes to stabilise Heritage vessels and protect their condition
• Maintaining the fabric of vessels under museum conditions
• Using appropriate terminology in recording work
• Undertaking safe handling (hot/in steam working, workshop systems)
• Ability to undertake hand and machine fitting, including effective use of machine shop tools
• Performing mechanical exams and checks on lubrication systems, brake systems, hoses, and couplings
• Undertaking mechanical testing techniques safely
• Undertaking white metalling and refurbishment of bearings
• Carrying out examination of locomotive frames and their alignment
• Carrying out examination procedures for wheel-sets, tyres, flanges, axles, and springs
• Carrying out valve and piston examination and slide bar alignment
• Correctly marking out plate for different boiler sections
• Undertaking safe handling (hot/in steam working) and correct use of tools associated with boiler work
• Carrying out thorough survey and examinations, testing techniques (hydraulic), and identifying/carrying out required test procedures
• Carrying out riveting repairs (hot and hydraulic)
• Carrying out tube removal and boiler re-tubing
• Undertaking correct fitting of boiler mountings and safety valves
• Carrying out plate-work repairs and patching
• Carrying out inner and outer firebox repair (drilling, tapping, stay removal/replacement)
• Operating historic vehicles and systems safely
• Conducting and recording inspections and assessments relating to historic vehicles and systems, considering historic pedigree and material/process use
• Producing technical drawings and using a range of measuring techniques (metric and imperial)
• Implementing plans to preserve, repair, disassemble, reassemble, or re-manufacture historic vehicle systems and components
• Lifting/jacking, supporting, and lowering historic vehicles safely
• Servicing, maintaining, and repairing historic motive power systems
• Servicing, maintaining, and repairing historic vehicle auxiliary systems
• Retaining originality of materials and applying preservation techniques
• Re-manufacturing components using hand skills, milling, turning, grinding, and fabrication skills
• Using mechanical, non-mechanical, and thermal jointing processes (including MIG, TIG, spot, and arc welding)
• Conducting and recording inspections & assessments relating to historic vehicle construction and components
• Dismantling, storing, and rebuilding historic vehicles safely
• Implementing plans to preserve, repair, disassemble, reassemble, or re-manufacture historic vehicle chassis, panels, and components
• Using historic building techniques (e.g., 'wheeling')
• Using all jointing processes (riveting, glues, soldering, brazing, welding methods)
• Removing, replacing, refurbishing, or re-manufacturing internal and external trim components (hoods, frames, head linings, upper environmental trim, fabric, wood, metal, composites)
• Removing, replacing, refurbishing, or re-manufacturing vehicle glazing
• Preparing vehicles for handover to customers, transportation, exhibitions, and display