(Photo: AP/Ralph Wilson)
Do you remember how old you were when you first had an interest in classic cars? What was the first car you bought or, even better, the first car you restored? Students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology will likely remember their first car restoration for a long time to come.
Penn College began a vintage vehicle restoration program major in 2012, joining a handful of other degree programs in the country that teach young people how to refurbish and maintain classic cars. Earl Mowrey, the head of youth development at the Antique Automobile Club of America says that there have been generations that have missed opportunities in this area. He is concerned that important skills, such as metal shaping and upholstering could be lost among young people unless they can be enticed into this field.
An increase in young people’s interest in classic cars paired with an aging workforce has caused the multi-billion dollar industry to throw money into training programs and scholarships. It’s paying off. Penn College’s first graduation class had eight students. Next year’s has 23. And, McPherson College in Kansas offers a bachelor’s degree in restoration, the only college with that degree. Because demand is high and people are retiring, most students can find a job quickly in the field.
It’s good to see a new generation interested in these cars! For more information on classic cars, visit our website today!
More about this story can be found on the Hattiesburg American website – Restoration class does wheel nice work on classic rides
What if you are still in high school and u have special needs but u want to do this?
Great blog, thanks for sharing this information here. I haven’t been much of a classic car owner myself because i had one and had to do away with it as i could not restore it. This blog taught me so much more than i knew!