Federation features restoration skills at NEC Show

Published: 16/03/2026

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) throws the spotlight on ‘Restoration Skills’ for its stand at this year’s Restoration Show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Show (March 20-22).

As is usual specialist staff will be on hand to field member’s queries about legislation, registration, insurance and this time we will be supported by trainers and students from The Heritage Skills Academy (HSA).

So if you or anyone you know is thinking about training or retraining for a career in vehicle restoration, this is your opportunity to get all the information face to face. 

The FBHVC was instrumental, 11 years ago, in identifying the acute skills crisis facing the restoration industry. It set up the Historic Vehicle Engineering Apprenticeship and to date over 200 students have graduated though the 3-year course.

The HSA, that deliver courses in mechanical, coachwork and trim, have superbly equipped training workshops at both Brooklands Museum in Surrey and at Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire, both facilities steeped in heritage.

Next month, the Federation stages the annual ‘Drive-it Day’ and ‘Ride-it Day’. If you are, or would like to take part, you can buy a rally plate at the stand. To date the event has raised more than £250,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline www.driveitday.co.uk