Can’t find a trainee

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Our lad took his TVR back to Blackpool a few weeks back for some gearbox and technical set-up work. The tech man is ex TVR factory and what he doesn’t know about the cars is not worth knowing. Great fella full of expert knowledge all thing TVR. Chatting with him it transpires that in six years he is retiring, prompted our reply are you training anybody to carry the business on ? he is one man and his garage. I wish he replies, tried and tried but youngsters just are not interested in getting thier hands dirty. Had a number starting and leave soon after suggesting it’s too dirty and greasy!
Surprising to my mind that a fantastic business will cease owing to this one reason?
It’s news but not drawn from the usual media. You may wish to discuss in general terms.

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I’m not going to get overly involved but just felt it was a good subject for a natter. The posts are split between his doing it wrong to it being a common problem.
The garage is definitely old skool, mechanical strip downs and repair, not reach on the shelf for a box to bolt on. He repaired my lads cerbera gearbox which had stripped a number of internal components. Fuel injectors cleaned and balanced out so that each injector worked with precision. Whilst the car was in the guy set the car up properly which resulted in a chalk and cheese driving experience. All this technical knowledge waiting to be passed on, seems such a waste if it doesn’t happen.

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Dindoit said:

Whilst the anecdote reads like an opportunity to have a dig at the youth of today, it's worth noting that it’s virtually pointless learning the ins and outs of fixing an analogue TVR in an automotive world which is increasingly digital and disposable.

Couldn’t disagree more and surprised to read this on a motor enthusiasts forum tbh.
The classic car market in the U.K. is as strong as ever and growing, yet small enough to not worry the Government into derailing the movement. Whilst it’s true that enthusiasts like to fix thier own classics it’s not always the case and the classic car movement supports its own industry to the tune of multi millions each year.
Certainly it’s not a dig at the youth of today, more a lament.

Edited by crankedup on Sunday 25th February 14:50

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Too Drunk to Funk said:

Surely he can sell the business rather than find someone to take over. The 2 apprentices I've known often got the crappy end of the stick work wise and left after finding their employers wouldn't up their wages after they qualified.

Yes agreed, like I say I have no involvement other than already outlined. Apparently the garage is well respected in the TVR classic circles and often recommended to owners for a visit to fix.
His garage next door to a coach builder / repair spraying business and again next door a car trimmer business, all TVR.