The car mechanics of the future are being sought by Rallysport, the Essex academy which gives teenagers the chance to develop their skills by working on “prestige” hands-on projects.

Free taster sessions are being offered to students between 14 and 17, who are interested in a future involving practical mechanics or engineering.

Rallysport’s teaching methods involve stripping down and restoring high performance vehicles.

The academy’s latest project centres on a Peugeot 206, found in a semi-derelict state, which hid a surprising secret under its bonnet.

The car is powered by a valuable M1116 turbo-diesel engine which replaced the car’s original power-source.

Sam Nagle, Rallysport’s co-founder and director, said: “The car was a barn-find. It has given our students the chance to work on the sort of project that any enthusiast would love to tackle.

“The engine is a real collector’s item.

“Normally, a teenager wouldn’t be able to get a look in on a prestige job like this.”

Rallysport, which began life in 2012 with a single site in Wickford, opened a second facility in Colchester in February this year. It has more than 100 young people on its courses.

Sam said: “Our Colchester training courses have proved so popular that we have already had to acquire a larger site.”

Rallysport was set up specifically to assist the sort of students who find the normal learning environment a challenge, but find the hands-on approach to learning more engaging.

Those wanting to join one of the courses can do so personally, or be recommended by their schools.

Unlike many other training centres, Rallysport operates what Sam calls a “roll-on, roll-off” service.

Students can join at any time during the academic year. As soon as they arrive, they can start working towards a first level NVQ qualification.

Students trained at Rallysport are set on a path towards careers in garage mechanics or even racetrack pit-stops.

Sam said: “We also give our students a basic grounding which can eventually help them towards careers in the broader engineering industry.

“They acquire useful experience in skills like metal drilling, and a good knowledge of tools.”

He added: “The curriculum at the academy is firmly based on the philosophy that the best way to learn something practical is to do it.

“Once they get stuck in, 95 per cent of the students just love what they’re doing.

“Everything about Rallysport, starting with the title, is designed to get kids interested and involved.

For more information, email info@rallysport-eng.com