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Dying Art? Not at Basetech!

Our review writing team go on a site visit

Basetech specialises in revamping classic cars. But this is not all that is on offer here. It also provides a unique opportunity for out of work teenagers to learn the 'dying art' of restoring cars, with an emphasis on hard work and diligence.
We were shown around by Bob, Andrew, and Tony, who made us feel welcome, explaining to us how Basetech works. Some of the students come from troubled backgrounds, and one can't help but pick up on the atmosphere of tolerance and understanding of these issues that seems to prevail with the staff. Bob said, "We try our best with all of our students and our attendance record is second to none."
One of the objects of the exercise is to get these students into paid jobs. In this Basetech has a high success rate.
Well done to all at Basetech. This is a brilliant idea, and it is very refreshing to find a learning establishment that shows such understanding when dealing with students that may be experiencing other problems.

But is it art?

This is a question that has been asked a thousand times. Can something functional be a work of art, or is art purely for art’s sake? Basetech certainly has that artistic feel to it. Here you see the cars as they first came in and also as finished products. One can't help but think and compare the skills needed to achieve this with that of an artist. My view is that classic cars are beautiful. The detail, colour and shape reminds me of some modern sculptures. Yes this definitely is art! Pat

Symbiotic Partnerships

We walked into a bright, airy, open, clean and colourful space, with encouraging slogans and classic car symbols on the walls. This is Basetech, where young people aged 16-19, who have missed out on education and opportunities, are taught the practical skills of servicing and repairing car engines, in particular Classic cars.
This is a fraction of what they learn however. Here the staff help and support their students to develop themselves, their self-confidence and self-discipline.
The team who run this co-operative business are a special bunch; some have survived severe experiences such as a criminal past and time in prison, or come unstuck and taken wrong turnings in life, all of which they related openly and with humour. All this, and their symbiotic partnership, enables them to understand and relate to the often angry, fearful or confused young people who join Basetech's training.
Students are treated with respect, often a new experience for some of them; at the same time dodgy behaviour is challenged and staff take no shit off anyone; but for someone who has a problem, the support and care is there.
We were given the chance to talk to some trainees, and I wish we had spent more time with them and asked better questions: their calm confidence was impressive.
We were made very welcome, given lifts and lunch. This was an inspiring visit: Basetech is far more than a training centre; it feels like a community which cares for all its members, based on hard work and humour. Sue

Motor-vation

Modern cars have bolt-on, switch easy, purpose packaged parts to replace worn and damaged components that can be fitted before you can say Qashqai (or as people in Woolton pronounce it, Cash Cow). So why teach young people about araldite, differentials, or how a Wankel engine works?
Well, Basetech is not about trying to compete with the Computer Aided Design of the car industry. The aim here is to give a grounding in hands-on practical skills, building motivation from the ground up.
As someone who served a traditional engineering apprenticeship, I can appreciate this approach. The day to day of working to a design brief and shaping something almost from scratch right through to the end product gives a lasting satisfaction.
As we enter a phase of economic uncertainty, where innovation will be needed to survive, this development of practical skills, self belief and confidence to adapt to the changing climate will be of priceless benefit. Ritchie

Thanks to Pat for arranging the visit.

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