ISLE OF WIGHT APPRENTICE RECEIVES ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOM SATA SPRAY GUN AS WINNER OF NATIONWIDE COMPETITION
School of Thought Automotive, an initiative to promote the automotive sector, and SATA UK is pleased to announce Abi Bird as the winner of the 2026 SATA Spray Gun Design Competition. Abi, a talented automotive refinishing apprentice from the Isle of Wight, was presented with a completely unique, custom-styled SATAjet X 5500 spray gun featuring her very own winning digital design artwork (valued at over £600). The exclusive prize presentation took place yesterday at the state-of-the-art Mipa Paints Training Facility in Havant, Hampshire.
The competition launched over the May Bank Holiday, inspiring young talent to use digital configuration tools to design the future of workshop hardware. It specifically targeted automotive students, refinishing apprentices and newcomers from college campuses and commercial bodyshops spanning all regions of the UK.
The collaboration between SATA UK and School of Thought blends world-class equipment manufacturing with dedicated industry advocacy to directly support automotive refinishing apprentices. By combining SATA’s legendary engineering heritage with School of Thought’s outreach network, the partnership creates a high-visibility platform, such as nationwide design competitions, that showcase the immense talent, creativity, and technical skill of newcomers entering the vehicle repair sector. Together, they are driving engagement, raising professional standards, and securing a sustainable, highly-skilled future for the UK automotive refinish industry.
Dave Reece, School of Thought Automotive co-founder, commented:
“We are incredibly proud to present Abi with this magnificent, one-of-a-kind SATA spray gun. Her design perfectly captured the innovation, style, and technical precision that defines the modern refinishing industry. School of Thought Automotive was founded to show the next generation that automotive repair is a vibrant, tech-driven, and highly rewarding career path. Collaborations like this with SATA UK allow us to shine a bright spotlight on the phenomenal creative talent emerging at the grassroots level of our industry.”
Derrick Rudd, CEO, Mipa Paints, added:
“Mipa Paints is absolutely delighted to host Abi and School of Thought Automotive at our Havant Training Facility for this special presentation. As a business dedicated to technical excellence and professional development, we fully support this fantastic initiative. We recognise that grassroots support is absolutely vital to securing the future pipeline of our industry. Seeing the passion and high calibre of work from apprentices like Abi reinforces why we invest so heavily in training infrastructure. It is an honour to celebrate her achievement alongside our industry partners.”
