SHE IS the first apprentice at the museum for 40 years.

Learning the skills to help keep alive Britain’s motoring heritage and preserve iconic machines, an 18-year-old is now learning her trade at Beaulieu National Motor Museum in the New Forest.

The last apprentice is now her boss, with museum manager Doug Hill the most recent to finish an apprenticeship there 40 years ago.

Emily Leese, 18, joins the museum’s workshop team to help maintain and restore its collection of more than 250 historic vehicles.

Having been a volunteer at the centre for the past four years, Emily is now beginning a four-year apprenticeship which is being funded by a group of Beaulieu One Hundred members.

Motor museum manager and chief engineer Doug Hill said: “Ever since Emily first visited us for work experience four years ago, I have been impressed by her enthusiasm and determination.

“I was the last apprentice to complete my training here 40 years ago, so it makes me exceptionally proud to offer this opportunity to a new recruit by employing Emily as our apprentice in the workshop.

“It has been a long process to make that happen but with the help of our sponsors, we can move a huge step forward in ensuring our legacy of knowledge is safe for the future.”

She will be working with five workshop engineers, repairing vehicles ranging from prestigious veteran cars, classic racers and land speed record-breakers.

Emily, from North Baddesley, spent two years studying motor vehicle engineering.

She said: “I don’t know why I love cars so much but I have every since I was about three-years-old. My parents aren’t into cars, so I guess it all came from me, fixing things is my passion.

“I came in for work experience and they couldn’t get rid of me, I have become much more outgoing and confident since I have been coming here.“I think I fit in quite well so far and all of the guys have been really good.

“They’re a welcoming bunch, so I definitely feel like part of the team and I’m really enjoying working here.”