A community interest company is offering a fresh route into the automotive industry in Hull by providing hands-on training and mentorship to young people who struggle with mainstream education or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Automotive Skills Academy delivers technical automotive instruction alongside vital life skills aimed at supporting personal growth and mental wellbeing, driven by a mission to ensure where young people start in life does not dictate where they end up.
Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the programme covers an array of areas including servicing, brakes, suspension and steering, paint and bodywork, electrical systems, and vehicle appraisal. It was launched by managing director Adam Charlton, who also runs Aurora Jane Customs. Explaining how the project came to life, he said: “I was wondered if there was anything for young kids in the car scene or anything to do with modifying or mechanics, valeting and detailing so I initially thought ‘why not’.
“So I applied to do a valeting and detailing course as a teacher. I already had my mechanics behind me, I then started Automotives Skills Academy. What we do is is we help anybody 14 to 24 years old, whether they are in the home care sector, whether they are kids from an SEN background or home schooled, the traveller community, ex-military or kids that are just not making it into school – we teach them valeting, detail and mechanics”.
The academy handles projects across the entire spectrum of car restoration and customisation. “We build everything from original standard all the way up to highly modified. In the last six months we have turned over about 35 children. There’s kids from all spectrums; we can have kids who have ADHD or autism all the way up to the average kid who just doesn’t want to go to school, or is home schooled. I also have young adults from the Job Centre, DWP, Hull CVS and some ex-military in that 14-24 age bracket who just want to change their career”, Adam added.
Students at the academy gain both technical experience and the confidence to assist others. Level 2 qualified mechanic Ellis Smith, 20, shared his experience as a student at the programme. He said: “I help Adam and Claire and other students when I can. I’m more into the mechanics side and I’ve been into cars since my stepdad got me into them. He started teaching me at 13. I would recommend the academy and mechanics to others. In this trade it is hard and you will make mistakes but you learn from them.”
For newer participants, the supportive environment has already made a clear impression. Ruby Wilson, 17, said: “It’s really good and everyone here is really nice, they help you out.
“Ever since I left school I wanted to go into this and would 100 per cent recommend here to anyone who wants to start mechanics. I’ve done a few valets so far and just learning about cars and getting my hands dirty. Everyone here is so lovely and if you need any help they will be there.”