Three apprentices from Salford-based clean technology business ENER-G have restored an historic engine that powered the post industrial revolution.
For the past two years the trio have worked alongside retired engineers at the Anson Engine Museum, in Poynton, Cheshire, to restore a 1943 Brotherhood Engine, which is the size of a transit van, and was last in use more than 20 years ago to power beer making at Kirkstall Brewery in Yorkshire.
The apprentices invited ENER-G group chairman Tim Scott to the museum to celebrate the completion of the project and demonstrate the working engine. 
“This was the first time we’ve seen the engine working, so it was fantastic to get it running and to show it off”, said Dean Mellor, aged 20, who has recently completed his apprenticeship and is a qualified production fitter with ENER-G.
He added: “We’ve gained a fantastic education from the other volunteers who have years of experience in traditional engineering and have passed on to us the techniques and skills that they’ve been using all their working lives. It’s given us a deep understanding of engines and made us so much better at engineering.”
Each Tuesday for the past two years, the apprentices have taken it in turns to work at the museum, working with other volunteers to strip down the type R63/8 371 kW (500 bhp) engine and completely restore it to working order.
In their day-to-day role within ENER-G, they manufacture renewable and energy efficient technologies, including combined heat and power systems that create low carbon energy for global customers, including the Royal family at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Peter Wood, volunteer coordinator for Anson Museum, said: “This is the first time we have involved apprentices and it’s been very successful. We’re all getting on in years so it’s been really nice to have young people around. It’s been a two way relationship in that we’ve benefited from their help, and they’ve learnt valuable skills from qualified engineers with years of experience.”
ENER-G started its engineering apprenticeship scheme in 2006, and trainees complete a four-year programme spending one day a week studying for ONC and NVQ level 2, and then HNC and NVQ level 3.  The company works in partnership with Salford and Trafford Engineering Group Training Association (STEGTA) and Trafford College Technology Centre.  ENER-G is also planning to launch an administration apprenticeship scheme.
ENER-G presented the museum with a donation of £1500 to thank them for hosting the apprentices.