After a knowledge exam, six practical tasks the top six Body Repair apprentices are heading to the IMI Skills Competitions finals in November to find out who will be crowned winner and the best in the sector. Meet the stars of the industry who are vying for the ultimate prize…
Robert Gray – Riverpark Training – Howell Accident Repair Centre
“It has been enjoyable so far and has been a smooth, well organised process.”
Robert Gray enters this years world skills UK body repair final representing Howell Accident repair centre of Northern Ireland. Roberts Inspiration for Joining the Automotive repair sector stems in part from the early experiences he had with his Dad who is a paint technician, helping out with prep and working on vehicles from a young age. A career as a Body repair technician also suited Roberts preference for being active and hands on and he enjoys the variable nature of the role and the constantly evolving technology and techniques to learn. With the support of legendary trainer Colin Hagan of Riverpark training, he showed real tenacity in following up after sending a letter application and at first not hearing back. His manager Phil says “Robert displays a quietly confident and independent character, demonstrated by the fact that he entered this years competition on his own volition, and competed in the national qualifiers almost in secret, booking time out to compete using his annual leave, only revealing his participation to us once he had reached the final! Understandably when we found out we made sure to give him the time back and cover any costs he incurred, and of course were proud to have a finalist in the competition. On the competition so far Robert says “I’ve found it quite enjoyable, more enjoyable than stressful, the event was well run and organised and I was quite comfortable in the environment. It was nice to meet competitors from across England, Scotland and Wales and to hear about different experiences they’ve had. Since the competition there are certainly areas that I will develop before the final”.
Robert offered up this advice to anyone thinking about entering the Automotive sector “Definitely look into it and research to find out as much information about it to make sure the job suits you, and also talk to people about the training requirements, because if you fit the mould, your skills will certainly be in high demand”, and Phil added “its important to take a critical look at yourself and see where your short comings are so you know what to work on” Which is certainly great advice for starting any career.
Jordan Lingham – Nptc Pontardawe – Sinclairs
“It’s been fun and enjoyable so far, and [I’m looking forward] to learning new skills.”
2023 IMI skills competition finalist Jordan Lingham joined the Body repair sector as a panel tech apprentice, following in the boot steps of his dad who also worked at Sinclair Group accident and repair centre in Swansea. It may be due to his early exposure to the sector that Jordan always saw a career in Automotive as a possible destination for himself “ I think most my life I’ve been interested in cars and bikes just the same as my dad cause he’s always worked on them, It also helped that dad’s close friends with my boss, so he got me the opportunity to work here which I’ve made the most of” The hands on nature of the role appealed to Jordan, as well as the opportunity to learn a range of skills including welding and bonding. Jordan recognises that there are challenges “Some parts of my work I found more difficult to learn like filler work, getting the best quality surface finish, other skills like strip and fit I’ve found a lot easier”. The benefits of learning to use such a wide range of skills day to day has its benefits, and Jordan aspires to one day use those skills to open his own workshop.
According to Jordan the best thing about his work is “Its something different everyday, you wont do the same work everyday, it can be challenging but there’s always something new” On the competition experience so far Jordan comments “I’m just happy to do it, I’ve really enjoyed it, its surprising how much you can pick up during the tasks and getting feedback from the judges” and finally Jordan offered this advice to prospective Automotive apprentices saying “I’d say just learn one day at a time. You’re not going to become the best panel beater straight away It’s going to take time, sometimes you will make a mistake but you have to learn from it to improve”
Adrian Matthews – S&B Automotive Academy – Ultimate Accident Repair Services
“[It’s been] intriguing and [I’m looking forward to] testing my skills.”
2023 UK Skills competition finalist Adrian Matthews came into the body repair sector after having started his working life in a completely different trade, this despite a strong family link to Automotive through his dads workshop. “ I started off in the flooring trade which was hands on work, but after a while decided it wasn’t quite for me, my dad having his own shop meant that I had an idea of the type of workplace and I’ve always been into cars so I thought id give it a go”. According to Adrian, the best thing about working in the Body repair sector is seeing the different stages of the repair process from start to finish and seeing the end results. Of course as in all skilled professions there are times when things just don’t seem to be going right however for Adrian “it can be challenging when things aren’t going to plan but its all about trying to keep looking at things in a positive way, clear your head and not let it bog you down.
Talking about his Skills competition experience so far Adrian says “leading up to the qualifiers, it was a bit stressful, but once we got there and we got to see the environment first hand it was smooth sailing then and the atmosphere was pretty laid back, so then could just get on with it really. “It was interesting to see how other people go about doing things, and approach tasks different to how I do. The competition has made me more aware of the need to take a step back sometimes to plan a task step by step”. At ultimate Accident repair run by Adrians manager and mentor Aron Matthews, values Adrians Common sense approach highly “As long as you follow the repair methods, use the right equipment, and take it step by step you can do a good job, and Adrian does that. He is also keen to learn new skills, he’s inquisitive and asks questions, and most importantly he cares about what he does” As far as advice for prospective apprentices Aron Added “Take all the training opportunities you can get, and you need to enjoy what you do so that when you’ve been in the trade for 35 years like I have, you still look forward to what each day brings.”
Aiden Lee Cheetham – Blackpool and the Fylde College – The Yella Group
“It’s been great so far, and I’m looking forward to taking part.”
2023 Skills competition body repair finalist Aiden Cheetham is a multi-skilled apprentice technician, so he brings a broad skillset into the mix, as well as a cool and composed attitude which shone through during his performance at the national qualifiers where he came 2nd overall. Aiden joined the Vella Group after applying for the vacancy through the government apprenticeship site, following his general interest in cars and automotive. Although he didn’t know exactly what went into the Body repair and Multi-skilled role, he knew he wanted to do a job that kept him active and allowed him to be hands on. Aiden says “even in the first week I found out a lot more about what goes into the job, there’s a lot more to it than you may think, its not as simple as it seems and there’s more than meets the eye. And the advantage of muti-skilled is that it gives you a good understanding of what goes on in other departments, for example if your doing panel you know little tips that will help the painters, and if your on paint you know how to help out the MET techs” Allan Wareing, who has seen Aiden’s skills develop during his time at Vella, recognises the traits that have made Aiden a valuable asset to the company “ We are definitely proud, he’s come along way and we have had ups and downs, but he has qualities like a great passion for what he does and you can see he enjoys it and is always willing to learn. Vella group have a history with the Skills competition having sponsored the panel team in the world competition before and Allan has been a judge in the past, so having an apprentice in the final is something they are proud of and demonstrates their commitment to developing future talent.
On his competition journey so far Aiden said “I’ve enjoyed it , and either way I’m happy whether I win or don’t, its all about doing my best and hopefully surprising myself like I did in the qualifiers coming in 2nd. comparing myself to others because, I didn’t have any of the skills I have now when I started and I’m happy being able to see how far I’ve come”. “There’s a few things I’ve had the chance to do and practice that id never done before, the competition meant that I had to learn new skills probably sooner than I would’ve done otherwise which is good”. Aiden offered up an important tip for current and future apprentices saying “ its up to you to listen, not for the teacher to teach you, they will give you the information you need, but ultimately its up to you to make sure you take it in and use it”. Advice that is definitely applicable for anyone learning any new skill or developing a career in the automotive sector.
Alec Archie Macleod – Edinburgh College Sitehill – Highland Motors Ltd
“I’m looking forward to meeting more people in the industry.”
Jonathan Johnston – Riverpark Training – Tbr NI
Keep an eye on the IMI website and social streams to find out how the IMI Skills Competitions Finals unfold in November and for your chance to appear in the 2024 line up, sign up for updates