As part of its commitment to support the vehicle repair industry in addressing the skills shortage across the sector, and following the launch of its major new apprenticeship programme, FMG Repair Services is taking further proactive action to inspire, support and train the next generation of motor vehicle repairers.
Last week the company, the UK’s largest comprehensive bodyshop repair group, welcomed Year 10 students to its award-winning IMI accredited technician training and professional development academy in Goole, to showcase the impressive range of training, technology and tools involved in modern vehicle repair and to provide insightful career advice to students with an interest in the repair industry.
The cohort, from the IMI Level 2 Certificate in Automotive Maintenance course at the nearby Archbishop Sentamu Academy, were shown key aspects of autonomous, alternative fuel and traditional ICE vehicle repair and gained first-hand knowledge of skilled techniques using welders, paint booths and spray guns.
Mr Fearn, Motor Vehicle Course Leader from Archbishop Sentamu Academy, said "This visit was a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand the developments in an exciting and ever-changing sector and allowed our pupils to experience a flavour of the future of the automotive industry."
The school visit follows a busy month at the FMG Repair Services Academy which played host to the IMI World Skills National Qualifier in June. The independent competition, which identifies the most talented apprentices in the automotive industry, resulted in a second place ranking for FMG Repair Services’ Apprentice Body Repair Technician Bradley Duffield.
Chris Pennell, Technical Director at FMG Repair Services said, “We are delighted to celebrate Bradley’s extraordinary talent, technical skill and attention to detail, and what better way to harness that passion and enthusiasm than by inviting and inspiring the next generation of automotive technicians. Modern vehicle repair is a highly skilled profession and our training academy provides critical skills, technical training and process application for all delegates, from up and coming new entrants and apprentices to the continuous development of our award winning long-serving vehicle technicians.”
FMG Repair Services has welcomed 30 new starters on to its three-year apprenticeship programme this year, with a new and unique mentoring programme to ensure all apprentices get the guidance and support required to succeed.
One such mentor, Daryl Head from FMG Repair Services Swindon site, was a guest speaker at last month’s IBIS World Summit 2022, the global auto collision repair conference. A high performer and FMG RS apprenticeship graduate himself, with ten years work experience, Daryl addressed the skills shortage with the influential audience and provided practical advice for bringing more people in to the sector.
Chris Pennell said, “We hope that through education, on the job training, skills development and personal support we can leverage the exciting developments within the industry to promote automotive repair as an exciting career pathway for today’s tech-savvy younger generation.”
To find out more about apprenticeships and opportunities with FMG Repair Services visit www.fmgrepairservices.co.uk