Lily Burnel excels in vintage car restoration apprenticeship

Lily Burnel, a 17-year-old apprentice, is making a name for herself in the vintage car restoration industry in Vitré, France. Working at the AMC workshop, she specializes in restoring classic American automobiles.

Burnel’s passion for the craft began in her father’s garage. She is currently pursuing a CAP in automotive bodywork through a work-study program between the AMC workshop and CMA Formation Rennes-Bruz. Her technical skills and dedication earned her a gold medal at the Meilleurs Apprentis de France.

Her success comes at a time when the vintage vehicle sector in France generates approximately 3.5 billion euros annually, with one-third of that revenue dedicated to restoration. However, the industry faces a significant labor shortage, with 42% of companies reporting difficulties in finding qualified personnel.