Seventeen of Gemini Accident Repair Groups’ Level 3 Apprentices have now successfully completed their end point assessments and have officially advanced from their apprenticeship studies into multiskilled permanent positions within the business.
Apprentices; Matthew Hambleton (Leeds), Libby Price and George Saunders (Tewkesbury), Joshua Wilson & Joshua Barry (Chesterfield), Tom Kimber (Macclesfield), Joe Darley & Sam Shaw (Rotherham), Jack Gittus (Telford), Sebastian Benjamin (Worcester), Kyle Henry-Lewis (Cannock), Reece Walker (Nuneaton), Daniel Stone (Bodmin), Robbie Lowe (Manchester), Tommi McArthur (Edinburgh), Matthew Turner (Wakefield) and Brandon Hubbard (Leicester).
John Henderson, Technical Training & Development Manager, Gemini Accident Repair Group commented, “I am extremely proud to announce that seventeen Apprentices have completed their end point assessments, after what has been an incredible journey for those concerned, interrupted by
the impact of Covid19 and the challenges to reach this end goal.
We have taken a bold yet cautious approach to our responsibility for these employees, as they have been amongst the first to embark on this new high level accident repair apprenticeship. This has included the creation of a dispensation EPA in collaboration with AutoRaise, Training Partners and
the IMI.
It is fair to say every Apprentice found the End Point Assessment challenging, and I thank the IMI for carrying out their extremely rigorous testing and assessment process, to proof the depth of knowledge and competence.
It is all a matter of how serious a business is regarding investing in time, energy, mentoring, opportunity to create their future workforce. This newly qualified Technicians are repairing vehicles involving “safety”, “structure”, “E&HV”, “ADAS”, and “Complex Electrics” alongside colleagues with
years of experience.
I would like to thank Dan Dillon, Training & Development Co-Ordinator at Gemini Accident Repair Group and Jordan Passey at Nottingham College who collectively have made this success possible.”
Always striving to go ‘above and beyond’, Gemini’s Apprenticeship programme was introduced in 2017, it is known to prepare Technicians who can genuinely operate at a Level 3 standard in all three trades of MET, Panel & Paint, and the journey has included many additional qualifications and
experiences. These additional qualifications include full BS weld testing, Refrigerant Handling, IMIAL Level 3 Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, and Level 3 ADAS Awareness & Competence.
Despite noise within the industry, Gemini has proved triple skilled competence at a Level 3 standard is achievable. This is reliant on using a robust training provider and a structured workplace programme. Gemini would like to thank AutoRaise and Emtec Colleges for their continued support, along with Gemini Apprentice Mentors and Managers.
David Sargeant, Managing Director, Gemini Accident Repair Group and Chairman at AutoRaise, commented ‘Initially I began my journey on an apprenticeship scheme. Starting on an apprenticeship offers a career for life here, with the ability to progress and upskill, I wanted to give younger people
this opportunity, the same way that someone once gave me.
Mixing apprentices amongst a skilled, qualified team has proven that the aging work force needs youth, they bring new fresh ideas and energy and sometimes teach others themselves.
We are constantly trying to improve our processes and views on how we see a ‘Bodyshop’ and promoting being an employer for all, actively encouraging diversity and introducing the apprenticeship programmes into our organisation has enabled us to make huge progress and change for the better.
Congratulations to all seventeen apprentices who are the first to pass their end point assessments and qualify. A massive thankyou to John Henderson, Technical Training and Development Manager and Dan Dillon, Technical Training and Development Co-Ordinator for enhancing the apprenticeship
scheme and going above and beyond for what is needed.
I also want to extend my thanks to AutoRaise the charity, including Bob Linwood and Chris Oliver for starting this charity which focuses on bringing young talent into the Accident Repair industry. A huge thanks to the team, all the volunteers, supporters, and sponsors of AutoRaise who have given their
time, money, and effort.
With special mention to LV and Esure insurers who have been on the journey
with AutoRaise since the beginning. They have supported Gemini across their exclusive sites. We are now seeing great success with apprentices, and we have you all to thank.’
Gemini currently employ a total of 83 apprentices, which make up 13% of the work force. Gemini have
nine apprentices, undergoing their Vehicle Damage Assessor Apprenticeships moving onto complete
and achieve their bespoke journeys this year. Once apprentices qualify, they go on to uptake
permanent roles within the business. Gemini support the employees through further training and
development programmes available to all in areas they wish to progress.
Gemini are now recruiting for a further 17 Multiskills Apprentices throughout the UK which offers a
rewarding career path at a multi-award winning, leading accident repair group. For more
information, please contact careers@geminiarc.co.uk.
