AkzoNobel backs ARC apprentices

AkzoNobel has helped The ARC Group apprentices to achieve their automotive senior paint technician accreditation (ATA) at its state-of-the-art training centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Mick Finch, technical coordinator at AkzoNobel, helped guide the apprentices through their ATA-accredited training programme as part of the company’s approach of ‘investment in tomorrow’s repair professionals’.

Chris Pomroy, The ARC Group’s owner, said, ‘AkzoNobel has been our main paint supplier for all our sites for over 15 years now and we’ve always been so impressed with its service. Around two years ago we recognised the importance of getting our apprentices the very best training available, and that’s why we turned to AkzoNobel – they got our apprentices ATA-accredited around 12 months quicker than if we were to send them to a local college just to get an NVQ.’

Jamie Palmer, an apprentice from Chippenham ARC, said, ‘The training has really built up my confidence and I’ve learnt so much more about the industry. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the different stages of vehicle refinishing and bringing them all together to get vehicles looking as good as new again.’

According to Mick, ‘apart from the usual preparation and painting, we like to teach apprentices some of the more advanced aspects of vehicle refinishing, such as digital colour matching and in-depth application training. It’s what really sets us apart from our competitors and brings the apprentices’ knowledge right to the cutting-edge of the vehicle repair industry.’

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