Andy Preslent (Engineer) and Gareth Rutt (Trainee Engineer)
Not many trainee engineers can claim to be renovating a Spitfire that has seen action in World War II and starred in the film Battle of Britain, but Gareth Rutt from Biggleswade certainly can.
The Shuttleworth Trust (Education) has set up a trainee scheme, in partnership with Bedford College and Marshall Aerospace, with Gareth the first trainee engineer in 30 years.
He is learning specialist skills in renovating historic aircraft from engineer Andy Preslent, who was the original first trainee engineer at Shuttleworth and is now in his 40th year working on renovating and maintaining over 50 world famous historic aircraft.
Andy explained:
“The trainee scheme combines aeronautical engineering at Bedford College and Marshall Aerospace with specialist knowledge that can only be learnt here. Working on vintage aircraft, trainees will learn a wide range of techniques including woodwork and fabric in restoration of our vintage aircraft.”
Gareth Rutt has always had a fascination for aircraft and joined the Shuttleworth Trust as a work experience student, from Stratton Upper School, when he was 14. That gave him the bug for restoring vintage aircraft and he went on to study aeronautical engineering at Bedford College. After completing year 1 of a 2 year diploma course he read in the Shuttleworth magazine about a new trainee scheme and decided it was for him.
As trainee engineer he has studied at Bedford College and Marshall Aerospace, gaining a National Certificate with double distinction. He is now studying towards NVQ3 and plans to go on to achieve the prestigious qualification as Licensed Aircraft Engineer.
“Not many people learn their trade working on a Spitfire!”, explained Gareth.
“Learning specialist techniques of renovation on the Spitfire is more romantic than working on airlines because it is part of British history. My job as trainee engineer has lots of variety, from working on the Spitfire to working on the Bleriot, the worlds oldest airworthy aircraft, the same type as the first to cross the channel in 1909. You can sense the history as you work to renovate these historic aircraft to their former glory.”
Una Watts, Trust General Manager, explained that the new trainee scheme is already proving to be a huge success and the close working relationship with Bedford College and Marshall Aerospace ensures that everything is in place to lead to Licensed Engineer status for trainees and for a new generation of qualified engineers to work with the prized Shuttleworth Collection.
She added:
“We have many young people who want to get involved working with us in a voluntary or trainee capacity. Our volunteers span the generations from enthusiasts with a wealth of experience, such as our pilots and engineers, to younger people who want to learn a skill. Gareth has certainly set a high standard for others to follow.”
“The Shuttleworth Collection is about living history and the people who work here are extremely proud of this unique collection of aircraft and motors that continue to be lovingly restored.”
The staff of 21, including 7 engineers, are supported by a dedicated and committed team of 120 volunteers, some of them highly skilled, who give their time in many different roles from pilots to engineers and helping in the smooth running of the many events that take place over the year.
With over 50 world-famous vintage aircraft all in flying condition, visitors to the Shuttleworth Collection can see over 100 years of aviation history and experience the thrill of unique and spectacular airshows. Historic cars, motorcyles and coaches complete the collection, housed within eight floodlit hangars.
Editors' notes
1. The Shuttleworth Trust (Education) became part of Beacon Status and outstanding Ofsted winner Bedford College on 7 August 2009.
2. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.
3. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.
4. Photographs available.
5. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk
6. For more about the Shuttleworth Trust and Collection see www.shuttleworth.org
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