Teenage car mechanic nominated for national tourism award

Luke Henshaw is the Heritage Vehicle Engineering Apprentice at the Great British Car Journey

Teenage car mechanic nominated for national tourism award
© Great British Car Journey

An apprentice mechanic at a classic car museum has been shortlisted for a national tourism award. Luke Henshaw joined the Great British Car Journey at the age of 18 and is the first heritage skills apprentice in Derbyshire.

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award recognises people in the tourist industry who go the extra mile to ensure visitors ”have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience”.

There are ten finalists, from a nature reserve manager in the Cotswolds to a ’head of visitor happiness’ at an animal park in Kent, but Luke is the only nominee who gets his hands dirty under the bonnet of a classic car.

He has worked at the Great British Car Journey since it opened in May 2021 following his successful application to the Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) in Bicester. Working at the attraction is a ”dream come true”, he said.

“I am absolutely blown away. I love working at Great British Car Journey. Being able to combine my passion for classic cars with a career is just brilliant.

”I get to work on them every day, learn new skills and also talk to other classic car enthusiasts who visit. I also love that my role enables me to inspire visitors of all ages to learn more about these unique vehicles, helping them have an enjoyable time here.”

Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, added: “Luke is a fantastic role model and a brilliant ambassador for the tourism sector, demonstrating the rewarding careers and great opportunities available for young people in the industry.

”He is clearly passionate about inspiring visitors of all ages to have a memorable visit and we’re delighted to see him reach the final. Now we urge Derbyshire residents, businesses and visitors alike to get behind Luke and vote!”

Voting is open until midnight on 20 March 2023, with the winner announced during English Tourism Week 2023 (Friday 17 to Sunday 26 March).

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