Accident repair specialist FMG Repair Services continues its support of the next generation of industry talent with the creation of an automotive body repair competition for its apprentices.
Committed to attracting, recruiting and developing fresh talent into the vehicle repair industry, FMGRS proudly set out its commitment back in 2021 with a 5-year plan that will see at least 15% of its technical workforce employed through apprenticeships by the end of 2026. A tall order some may have thought, when the 2020 purchase of the business saw just 3 technical apprentices in its workforce.
The investment and development in their early careers provision came thick and fast; the creation of a clear, supportive and dedicated apprenticeship programme through its own learning and development provision, assigned mentors trained to provide the integral day to day support, and a recruitment drive aimed at demonstrating what a rewarding career in the repair industry could look like. These efforts have resulted in exponential growth in the scheme, with a current penetration of 23% technical apprentices working across the FMGRS bodyshop network, in disciplines such as Paint, Panel and MET.
On week commencing 24th February, at their dedicated centre of excellence, the FMGRS Technical Training Centre in Goole, they will host the first FMGRS Apprentice Skills Competition, aimed at driving excellence, inspiration and development across their technical apprentice cohort. The event will provide a safe space for their latest talent to practise their skills in a competitive environment, one which encourages the participants to go through the motions of what would be expected at the IMI World Skills Competition. It’s this competition that’s sparked the appetite to run their very own skills event. The ultimate aim? To increase the number of quality competitors from across their sites who go on to be recognised for their own outstanding merit.
The competition will span three days, seeing apprentices compete to show off their skills across, refinishing (Paint), Panel Repair, and Mechanical Electrical and Trim. In combination with the IMI and meeting their entry requirements, the winners in each discipline will be well prepared to compete in the IMI World Skills Competition this year.
Aligning with excellence and promoting encouraging environments is a strategic aim of the FMGRS early careers approach. This, in part, is what’s seen them become proud sponsors of the IMI World Skills competition for the last two years, having their own finalists, podium placings and winners within their colleague cohort.
From little acorns mighty oaks grow!