Apprentices buzzing at AW Repair

AW Repair Group has released a dynamic video of highlights from their recent Apprentice Showcase.

The company welcomed more than 100 people who enjoyed a fully immersive and hands on experience of a modern high tech bodyshop.

Hopeful apprentices, including four young women, tried their hand at paint spraying, filler application, virtual welding, spot welding and sanding.

‘It was a superbly successful event,’ said managing director Andrew Walsh. ‘We have already progressed 14 young people to the next stage of one-to-one interviews. It was great to see our current year one apprentices demonstrating their skills and I was so impressed with how they articulately shared their enthusiasm for their job and the industry with our visitors.”

The showcase, supported by AutoRaise, BEN, LV=GI, Emtec College and numerous supply partners, was held at the group’s latest site in Derby with some keen youngsters travelling from the furthest site in Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

Bob Linwood, CEO of AutoRaise, said, ‘This is a unique way to show how the modern bodyshop operates. This particular event has been well organised and the young people are engaged and focussed and see the benefits of an apprenticeship, earning while they learn, and can see the bodyshop industry is a career for life.’

Added James Dunn, group operations manager, ‘Hopefuls had pre-registered for either the morning or afternoon session and rotated through the demonstrations and experiences but by lunchtime they were so enthused by what was on offer the morning attendees wanted to stay for longer.

‘Each group was chaperoned by AW volunteers from across the whole group and a variety of job roles to ensure everyone’s questions were answered fully.’

Jade Johnson, AW business relations, added, ‘We can’t thank all the supply partners enough for their support – PPG, LKQ, Upol, Accident Exchange, Soper of Lincoln, Car-o-Liner, PowerTec, Stanners – the demonstrations were informative, hands on and really engaged the young people. The smiles on their faces say it all – the whole place was buzzing.’

The Apprentice Showcase video can be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snoVmixytWU&t=7s