Tools, Skills, and Community Spirit: The Dibden MechaniX Project
18th Nov 2024
With skills shortages much talked about in the automotive trade, at Draper we’re keen to play our part in highlighting how rewarding a career in the sector can be, alongside nurturing the next generation of future mechanics (take a look at our recent tour of automotive colleges). Giving back to the trade is something we’ve fully committed to, that’s why we’ve been fundraising for Ben all year long. However, we’re always equally keen to help out our local community, whether that’s sponsoring SANDS Solent FC, volunteering in the Trinity Winchester kitchen or collecting food and toys for local families in need.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Mechanics
One local initiative that embodies everything we’re passionate about is the Dibden MechaniX project. This inspiring project brings together a group of local young people in the evenings to restore a car. Under the guidance of experienced mechanics, they gain hands-on experience with essential tools and techniques. Beyond the mechanical skills, the project also fosters personal growth, boosting self-confidence and developing transferable skills like CV writing.
Building More Than a Car
Lead by Reuben Shaw of Shawfix Autos, a team of volunteers from the local area supports the initiative, which was originally backed by Haynes Publishing in 2016 and is now a collaboration with Dibden Churches and Shawfix Autos, with further support from Exxon Mobil and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
Draper first got involved with the project at the start in 2016, donating a range of automotive tools to help the MechaniX team work on the car. While the original tool kit is still going strong, various additional tools have been donated over the years including imperial sockets and spanners for this year’s restoration of a classic Hillman Super Minx.
The restorative works are in full swing, as the Draper team saw firsthand on a recent visit in November. After being shown around by Reuben, we learned that the busy team had already taken the cylinder head off, replaced the head gasket and fixed the timing, amongst other essential jobs, ready for a presentation ceremony at Beaulieu Motor Museum in the New Year.
From Spanners to Self Confidence
It's clear that all these years after the first MechaniX course in 2016, the project is still a real success, not just from the obvious progress on the car but in the engagement and sense of accomplishment among the young people involved.
We’re proud to have played a part in its success and want to wish the MechaniX team all the best with the rest of the renovations and their future careers – we can’t wait to see the finished Hillman at the unveiling next year!
Look out for more updates from the project soon.
You can find out more about Dibden MechaniX at https://www.mechanix.org.uk
