Thatcham Research Academy - pictures

As concern grows over a skills shortage, we visit Thatcham Research Academy

A team of apprentices access a car's left chassis leg

The BMW i3 is one of many of the hi-tech vehicles apprentices work on

Martin Saarinen meets some of the MET team at Thatcham

Tutor Keiron Wollgar show Martin Saarinen the ropes on painting panels

A view of the Thatcham Research Academy in West Berkshire

Many apprentices go on to win industry awards and climb the career ladder

Classroom tuition plays an important part in modern apprenticeship schemes

Martin Saarinen learns how to polish body panels at Thatcham

Dean Lander, head of operations at Thatcham Research Academy

Jason Gaskell, manager of Apprentice Training Programmes at BMW Group UK

Marlies Rigait, member of the baord, Bentley Motors Human Resources 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan UK's vice president for manufacturing