AkzoNobel has recently supported AW Repair Group in delivering an apprenticeship event to educate future talent and help tackle the skills shortage faced by the vehicle repair industry.
Over 200 young people eager to gain an insight into the world of vehicle repair applied, with 45 of those invited to attend a full-day showcase event in October last year, organised by AW Repair Group at their newest site in Lincoln.
The event has since resulted in AW Repair Group welcoming 17 new apprentices to its AW Training & Apprenticeship Academy.
AkzoNobel was joined by PowerTec, LKQ, Car-O-Liner, Red (part of asTech), UPOL, Stanners, 3M, AutoRaise, Emtec and Thatcham, showcasing the latest technology and repair techniques adopted by today’s leading bodyshops.
Steve Hoe, Technical Development and VM Executive at AW Repair Group, said: “With the skills shortage continuing to grow due to an ageing workforce, we need to continue to recruit young, talented people into our industry. The fast-paced developments in vehicle technology are a real attraction, and we wanted to demonstrate this with an event to educate and entice new talent.
“It was a massive benefit to have AkzoNobel join us on the day. Developments in paint technology such as low-bake clearcoats, air-drying products and UV primers make significant time savings and are integral to the growing electric vehicle market. Attendees had a real interest in AkzoNobel’s live demonstrations, with some returning to their stand several times.”
Mick Finch, Technical Coordinator at AkzoNobel, added: “It’s excellent that AW Repair Group takes the time to support our future workforce by investing heavily in its apprenticeship scheme. We are delighted to have supported such an engaging and interactive event.
“These committed and enthusiastic young people are the future of the vehicle repair industry, and the AW Training & Apprenticeship Academy gives them a fantastic opportunity to build a career. The training and qualifications these new apprentices will receive over the next three years will provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the vehicle repair industry.”
The 17 new apprentices recruited from the showcase event will take AW Repair Group’s total apprentices to 27, along with 40 who have previously qualified through the AW Training & Apprenticeship Academy.
