Christmas comes early for Fix Auto Buckingham apprentices
Christmas has come early for two lucky apprentices at Fix Auto Buckingham after owner Richard Taylor honoured a promise he made during their interviews – with a little help from the generosity of key group partner, 3M.
MET apprentice Josh Messenger and spray-painter Marny Wright arrived at the Northamptonshire repair centre this week expecting a normal day’s work. Instead, they were called into Richard’s office and each presented with up to £2,000 worth of tools to support their future careers.
Fix Auto Buckingham apprentices
The generous gifts were a reward for their hard work and commitment since joining the business in September as part of Fix Auto UK’s latest recruitment initiative, delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Central. However, the awards come with a clear caveat.
Taylor explained: “Like many of my fellow franchise partners, I’m passionate about bringing new talent into the industry – they are our future. But I also know how financially challenging it can be for apprentices to equip themselves properly.
“Both Josh and Marny interviewed extremely well. I saw something in them and we gave them the opportunity. During Josh’s interview I asked for one promise: turn up on time, be courteous, and show willing. If he did, I would provide him with his own tools after his three-month probation. Marny interviewed so well that I made her the same offer.
“I’ve now presented each of them with their tools, which will technically belong to the business until such time they complete their apprenticeships, at which point the tools will be theirs to keep as recognition of their commitment to the business.”
Fix Auto Buckingham’s Taylor sourced Messenger ‘s tool chest that include various professional-grade tools worth over £2,000 online. Wright received a series of essential items including an orbital sander and a new powered and air-supplied respirator. And thanks to a chance visit, she received even more.
Inspirational
During a recent site tour, Lee Roan of 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, learned about Taylor’s pledge and Wright’s rapid progress. Impressed, he personally presented her with a 3M Performance Spraygun worth £400.
Roan said: “What Richard has done for Josh and Marny is inspirational. I heard that the next item on his list was a spraygun. Marny has only been in the role for three months, yet she’s using her own time to practice and had been borrowing old guns from colleagues. Not anymore. I’m only too pleased to be in a position where 3M can help, I’ll be following her career closely.”
Mark Hutchins, operations director for Fix Auto UK, added: “Seeing franchise partners like Richard invest so heavily in the next generation is exactly what our industry needs. Josh and Marny are already showing huge promise, and support like this gives them the confidence and tools to build long, successful careers. We’re incredibly proud of the culture of mentorship across Fix Auto UK.”
