Coachmakers inspire at the London Careers Festival

The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers was delighted to support the London Careers Festival in June. The festival is an annual event that seeks to connect 11-18 year-olds with the world of employment; to fuel their imaginations, develop their skills and inspire them for the future.

Invited by the Livery Schools Link to participate, the livery was thrilled to provide a number of experienced speakers to impart their career knowledge and offer some valuable advice, coupled with several adventurous anecdotes.

The Master Coachmaker, Sarah Jane Adams-Diffey, kicked off the presentation to the class of more than 20 children with an energetic overview of the livery company, brought to life with several historical references and an explanation of the bursary opportunities available within the organisation. John Pitchforth, Managing Director of the Heritage Skills Academy, picked up the baton, explaining the niche and nuanced skills of a restoration apprenticeship, alongside a story of sailing a racing Land Rover down a river!

Sam Gervais then imparted his vast experience as a pilot, expertly explaining how an engineering apprenticeship led him to his passion becoming his career. Finally, Mark Broadbent gave an expertly delivered overview of the coachmaking industry, passionately describing how you can transform your hobby into a successful business and in turn reap the rewards of career satisfaction.

The livery received tremendous praise for the presentation, from the Livery Schools Link and the teacher of the class, with a firm request to come back next year to share further career insights with a dash of humour and tales of adventure, to inspire the next generation.