LOCAL garage owners, Dave Keay and Luke Pinnell, of KP Garage and Body Shop, have started a project for teenagers to learn about car maintenance and restoration.
The duo, who have over 27 years’ experience in the motor trade as fully qualified motor industry professionals and share a real passion for cars, have launched their KP Youth Project to share their passion with young enthusiasts.
10 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 will be given the opportunity to get involved, learn about car maintenance/restoration and mechanics as part of the ‘KP Youth Project’ initiative.
The team, based at their Station Road workshop in Westbury, are working in conjunction with national charity UK Youth who provide support, advice and training to over 840,000 young people to equip them with vital life skills and help them engage in education, volunteering and employment.
The project will see the 10 chosen young people work with KP Garage & Bodyshop at weekend workshops to design and build a one-off BMW 330Ci M car over the coming six months with a view to displaying the vehicle at the Forge Action Day motoring event at Castle Combe in September. After the show, the car will be auctioned, with proceeds split equally between funding the next project and UK Youth.
Dave Keay said, “The aim of our project is to keep today’s young people off the streets, whilst teaching them about the mechanical and bodyshop side of cars. We want to get them using their imaginations by helping us design and build a unique vehicle that we can take to shows and showcase their and KP Garage and Bodyshop‘s abilities, whilst giving them something to be proud of, and learning valuable skills that may lead to future employment in the trade.”
A social media campaign started before Christmas ensured that there was no shortage of eager applicants for the 10 places on the project and an initial information day was held at the workshop on Saturday 6th January. At the open day on Saturday 13th, the 10 volunteers plus local supporting business sponsors kicked-off the project.
Whilst the team at KP Garage & Bodyshop have sourced the donor vehicle, they are keen to hear from any businesses that are interested in sponsorship opportunities whether it be parts, equipment or financial support, in return for publicity throughout the project and at the events where the car will be exhibited.
KP Garage & Bodyshop can be found at Unit 1, Westbury Ind Estate, Station Road, Westbury, BA13 4HR. Call: 01373 229642, or at www.kpyouthproject .co.uk.
UK Youth: www.ukyouth.org
