Congratulations to former Bridgnorth Endowed School student, Harry Ruffell-Hazell, who has been shortlisted for the highly esteemed Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards.
The 20-year-old from Ditton Priors is currently an apprentice at world-renowned restoration specialist, Classic Motor Cars, based on Stanmore Business Park in Bridgnorth.
Earlier this year, the company’s managing director, Nigel Woodward, put Harry forward for the exceptional work he carried out on a 1954 Lancia Aurelia.
Nigel said: “It is no surprise to me that Harry has been shortlisted for this award. His infectious enthusiasm is clear for all to see. Always keen, engaged and not only willing to learn but eager to put into practice the skills that he is developing.”
“Harry has been one of CMC’s best recruitment decisions. We are thrilled that the RAC has seen fit to shortlist Harry for such a prestigious award. Harry has a great future ahead of him and we are proud to call him a CMC apprentice.”
Harry commented: “I couldn’t be happier with my nomination for the Young Achiever Award. With the help and guidance from the technicians at CMC, I have been able to witness first-hand all the skills I will need during my career. Even better, being able to use these skills to carry out restorations by myself. I am beyond grateful to be shortlisted.”
Carving Out an Exciting Career
After leaving school in 2016, Harry completed a Level 2 NVQ qualification in welding, turning and lathing, but wasn’t quite sure where this would lead. However, a chance visit to Classic Motor Cars changed that as Harry saw all of the beautiful cars parked outside and thought: “I want to work there!”
He submitted a CV and, in September 2017, was accepted onto a Light Vehicle Engineering Apprenticeship with CMC and the Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology.
From the outset, Harry started work on the Aurelia and threw himself wholeheartedly into the project, carrying out extra research in his own time and completing the lion’s share of the work.
For this reason, Harry was put forward as one of just three apprentices for the RAC Young Achiever of the Year Award, the results of which are due to be announced on the evening of 28 January 2021.
Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “The standard of entries this year has been overwhelming and the judges had a tough time honing them down to the finalists.”
“I’m especially encouraged by the quality of nominations for the Young Achiever Award, new for this year, it really highlights the passion amongst the young guns for the industry.”
We wish Harry the best of luck in all of his future endeavours.
