Kidderminster Worcestershire England United Kingdom - There will be a unique opportunity for young engineers to hone their craft when the iconic Severn Valley Railway officially launches its Heritage Skills Training Academy in September.
 
It will be offering a four year course and is looking for up to 10 apprentices to work towards a level three NVQ in engineering.
 
For the first two years, students will spend three days a week studying at Telford College and two days at the SVR, learning and experiencing all aspects of its operation, for which they will be paid.
 
At the end of the two years, the students will gain a recognised level two NVQ in engineering.
 
In the third and fourth year of the apprenticeship, typically one day a week is spent at college while the other four days are spent in the SVR's workshops.
 
Throughout the course, all college fees and daily transport expenses from key points along the SVR will be covered for trainees.
 
Trainee James Lewis, aged 18, who started an SVR pilot apprenticeship in September 2013 after moving from Swindon, home of the Museum of the Great Western Railway, to Kidderminster said the best thing about the apprenticeship is being able to indulge his hobby every day.
 
"I have been interested in steam railways for a long, long time. I saw an advert for the pilot apprenticeship scheme on the internet and thought it was perfect," he added.
 
"It's fantastic to be working with steam locomotives and the Severn Valley Railway. Work is my hobby. It's great to see my contribution to the engine and carriage restoration projects. I would encourage anyone with an interest in engineering to come and see what it's all about. It's a passion. It never fails to capture you. Even if you don't think you'd be interested, you'd be surprised."
 
Fellow trainee, 17-years-old Max Green from Worcester said:  "It's great because there's so much variety to the scheme. Every day is different, you're never doing the same job."
 
The academy is one of three key projects funded by the railway's share offer and the fundraising efforts of the SVR Charitable Trust, alongside the restoration of locomotive No. 4930 Hagley Hall.
 
The Share Offer raised over £2 million in just 12 months.
 
Prospective trainees (aged 16 or over) and their families can find out more about the HSTA during an open day at the Railway on Saturday, 22 Feb 2014, which will give further details of the programme and give visitors the opportunity to experience the working environment and ask questions.
 
For more information about the HSTA, or to register for the open day, please contact Richard Thurlow, the HSTA co-ordinator, via email at Richard.Thurlow@svrlive.com or call 07792 241325.
 
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