Apprentice Sam’s Triumphant award

HOW many 17-year-olds can say they have landed their dream job, and won an award in the process?

Sam Bishop can. After successfully completing an apprenticeship he’s now getting to grips with the workings of his favourite car the Triumph TR.

Less than two years ago the former Trent Valley Academy student, of Lea Road, embarked on a motor vehicle apprenticeship with North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe.

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After sending off stacks of application letters to local garages, Sam was snapped up by world renowned Triumph TR workshop Racetorations, based on Heapham Road Industrial Estate in Gainsborough.

“I don’t think I could have come to a better place than this,” said Sam.

“I’ve learned so much more than I would have done at any old garage.”

Racetorations restores, rebuilds and modifies Triumph TR sports cars for enthusiasts all over the world.

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And it’s expensive business. Finished cars can bring in tens of thousands of pounds.

“We do virtually everything ourselves, from body work to mechanics,” said Sam.

“These cars are so old that if you can’t find the parts you have to make them and fix them as best you can.”

“It’s a proper engineering job and the standard has got to be the best it can be, because of the value of the vehicles and the parts.”

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But it wasn’t always the glitz and gleam of the engine shop for Sam.

“I started out washing bits down and learning along the way,” he said.

“It has helped me in my home life too. Now I like to know I’ve done a good job and things are as good as they can be.”

Steve Turner from Racetorations said he has seen Sam’s skills develop and is impressed with his progress.

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“We like to take on apprentices and work experience kids when we can. But being a small business it’s hard sometimes,” he said.

“Sam’s intelligence and skill have really shone through, and he rises to every challenge we set him.”

Sam split his week between work and study during his apprenticeship. And he completed the course in half the normal time.

Now the Institute of the Motor Industry has awarded him for his achievement, presenting him with a certificate and his name on a shield.

“It was a really nice surprise, but I just love working here,” said Sam.

“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. It’s great experience and sets you up for the world of work.”

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