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The growing integration of digital technologies into vocational training is reshaping apprenticeships across the UK, with modern programmes combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced engineering tools to prepare workers for the future.
For 29-year-old Ollie Priestley, an apprentice at specialist car restoration company Tolman, the learning experience goes far beyond conventional mechanical training. Enrolled in a three-year Heritage Vehicle Technician apprenticeship, Priestley is gaining expertise in restoring modern classic vehicles by combining hands-on restoration techniques with digital tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing and electronic control unit diagnostics.
"I wanted to develop the skills that allowed me to work on the cars that I love and excite me, like the Peugeot 205 GTi," says Leicestershire-based Priestley.
"Getting to know how to make things keeps me focused and engaged. I've just fabricated a gearbox mount for a classic BMW. It's cool to know that the things I create will bring the car back to life."
Chris Tolman, founder of Warwickshire-based Tolman, believes this specialised approach equips apprentices with stronger problem-solving abilities compared to those working in conventional dealerships.
"The computer identifies the issue and they swap the part. For specialist car businesses, our technicians need to identify and understand a problem, and then be creative and innovative to find the answer," says Tolman.
The evolution of apprenticeship programmes reflects the wider transformation taking place across manufacturing industries, where digital technologies are becoming increasingly important. Introduced in 2018, the Heritage Vehicle Technician apprenticeship delivered through the Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) incorporates modern technologies including CAD and 3D printing alongside core practical skills such as welding and glazing. The Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A-levels and replaced the earlier Classic Vehicle Framework apprenticeship.
According to HSA Managing Director John Pitchforth, the updated curriculum has significantly strengthened technical training by combining engineering fundamentals with emerging technologies.
Government apprenticeship figures also indicate a shift towards higher-level qualifications, with enrolment in Level 2 intermediate apprenticeships declining over the past year, while Levels 4 to 7 have gained popularity. Level 3 apprenticeship numbers have remained relatively stable.
Despite the increasing use of technology in vocational education, industry experts stress the importance of maintaining strong practical skills. Pitchforth believes apprentices trained through HSA develop stronger engineering capabilities than many entering the heritage vehicle sector from conventional automotive backgrounds.
"When modern engineers come to us to transfer into our sector, they often lack the basic engineering principles and are unable to diagnose and repair vehicle systems without a computer telling them what's wrong," he says.
Chris Iveson, CEO of Sheffield-based FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, says today's apprentices are expected to master both manual craftsmanship and digital manufacturing technologies.
"The modern apprentice is increasingly learning two things at once: the practical skill of making, and the digital skill of using technology to understand what is happening in production," explains Iveson.
"That might include CNC programming (coding for automated tools), CAD, robotics, additive manufacturing, quality control systems and production monitoring, all of which now appear in modern engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship routes."
However, Iveson cautions that an excessive focus on software could weaken apprentices' understanding of essential engineering concepts such as materials, tooling, manufacturing methods and quality control.
The balance between innovation and craftsmanship is also evident at Sheffield-based scissor manufacturer Ernest Wright, one of only two remaining scissor makers in a city once home to more than 100 blade manufacturing workshops.
Partnering with the University of Sheffield, the company adopted 3D metal printing to accelerate product development by producing accurate prototypes before full-scale manufacturing using traditional techniques. The technology helped revive its vintage "nurseryman scissors" and now supports the development of a new product each year, often inspired by historical designs.
"Now we can make just six pairs of scissors through metal printing [as tests]. Then if we want to change things, we don't have to do it on 6,000 pairs," says Paul Jacobs, who acquired the company in 2018 with business partner Jan-Bart Fanoy.
Ernest Wright also became a member of Made in Britain in 2025, allowing it to display the trademark that recognises high manufacturing standards.
For trainee Elliott Nurcombe, who balances part-time work at Ernest Wright with an aerospace engineering degree, digital manufacturing has expanded learning opportunities while preserving traditional production techniques.
"Maintenance wise, a lot of the parts for our machines simply don't exist anymore, so using modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing, we've been able to replicate some," says Nurcombe, 21.
"But I don't think that technology will take over or overshadow what goes on in this workshop. In terms of actual production of what we make here and what we do day to day, there's no real opportunity for technology to take that over from the people that work here."
Another historic manufacturer, Whiteley, which has been producing scissors since 1760, has also benefited from 3D printing following its acquisition by manufacturing company Kaymich in 2024. While exploring the use of sustainable materials such as reclaimed titanium, Managing Director Mark White says the company remains committed to protecting traditional craftsmanship.
"At the moment I'm looking to recruit trainee scissor manufacturers, as opposed to looking to put people out of work by investing in more technology," says White.
"What we're not about is loading something on a machine and pressing a button."
At surgical instrument manufacturer Platts & Nisbett, digital manufacturing is integrated into the early production stages through CNC-controlled machinery, while final assembly and finishing continue to rely on skilled manual craftsmanship. The company also uses laser tagging to improve product traceability across healthcare facilities.
Despite technological advancements, attracting young people interested in traditional manufacturing skills remains a challenge.
"There will be an abundance of people who want to press buttons. It's getting someone who likes to work with their hands, other than computers," says business development manager Julie Topham.
