Auto Skills (Reading)

Motor Mechanics Training for all

DONATE NOW

The Auto Skills Team

Angus Vinicombe - Managing Director / Lead Instructor

Angus lives in Essex, but also has a Narrow Boat which is moored up on the River Kennet near Auto Skills and he lives aboard that during the week, returning home at weekends.

Angus bought his first vehicle at the age of 14. It was a 1962 Morris Minor and he carried out a complete restoration and rebuild, which was featured in ‘Practical Classics’ magazine in 1995. Since then, he has restored and rebuilt many classic cars, as well as restoring and modifying many Land Rovers and performance cars. He studied Engineering at college, passing the course with all modules at Merit or Distinction (and being awarded student of the year for two consecutive years), and more recently has obtained a Level 3 C&G Diploma in Motor Vehicle maintenance and repair. He also has extensive experience (in excess of 20 years) of working with young people both in a voluntary and employed capacity, and joined Auto Skills from a successful Alternative Education project in East London.

Angus took over the management of Auto Skills in June 2014, and the project has seen many changes under his leadership. It is enjoying a steady increase in student numbers which is helping to ensure long term sustainability of the project. In July 2018, Angus formed a Community Interest Company (CIC) and took over the Auto Skills project from Groundwork South Trust Limited.

Connor Hill - Assistant Manager

Connor was first involved with Auto Skills in 2015 when he completed his Level 1 in his free time while still at school. Once he finished school, he volunteered with us before beginning a traineeship in September 2016. This progressed to an apprenticeship and Connor became a very valued member of the team. He took over Max's role in November 2017 and has since completed his level 3 qualification.

Outside of work, Connor is a very keen and talented go-kart driver, and is also an FA qualified Referee and Level 1 football coach. He's a classic car enthusiast, and owns a 1991 Rover Metro (which he's owned since he was 15) -affectionately known as Molly.

Connor is also father to Noah (3) and Riley (1), so he never has a dull moment!

Adam Godwin - Workshop Manager

Adam joined the team part-time in April 2019, having previously been a student with us between 2014 and 2016.

He attended Reading College for 2 years, and achieved his Level 1 in 2018. He went on to work in a large warehouse, before returning to Auto Skills, and has now become an established member of the team. Outside of work, Adam plays the drums and is a keen footballer.

Ethan Ward - Project Assistant

Ethan is another ex student. He came back to Auto Skills as a project assistant in November 2019 alongside his college course at BCA.