Apprentice vehicle technicians were able to get their hands dirty on the oldest surviving King Tiger tank when they joined the workshop team at The Tank Museum.
The 14 Babcock apprentices, who are learning to work on modern military vehicles, were given the chance to hone their skills on historic vehicles at the museum in Bovington, Dorset, which is home to more than 300 tanks from 26 nations.
James Trevett, one of the museum’s team, is coming to the end of his own apprenticeship. He enjoyed working with the Babcock trainees and sharing his knowledge.
“I was inspired to join The Tank Museum and pursue a career in engineering after I left school and was keen to get into a hands-on job,” he said.
“I grew up on a farm, and I spent a lot of my childhood tinkering with equipment. With five Land Rovers at home in my own workshop, it’s safe to say I enjoy fixing things and solving problems.
“At the museum, I carry out work on vehicles that may not have operated for over 80 years. It is incredibly satisfying to know that I can make a difference to our collection and get these historic vehicles running once again.”
Babcock provides vehicle support services at the nearby MOD site. And the partnership means the museum’s 14 workshop staff and 40 volunteers can enhance their skills on more modern vehicles.
Head of site at the company’s Bovington facility Damien Harding said: “Providing our apprentices with the opportunity to learn from the specialists at The Tank Museum has been incredibly valuable.
“Working with historic military vehicles gave them hands-on experience and a unique insight into engineering techniques, vehicle design and maintenance practices developed across generations.”
He added: “By sharing knowledge and expertise, both organisations can help build future engineering skills while preserving and learning from an important part of the nation’s engineering heritage.”
Since 2015, The Tank Museum has trained five apprentices, including Aaron Cruse, team leader on the restoration of the King Tiger V2. The £1 million project aims to return the 82-year-old vehicle to running condition.
The museum is home to a huge collection of fighting armour. It includes Little Willie, the world’s first tank, and the Army’s current main battle tank, the Challenger 2.