Shiny new tool kits jump start apprentices’ careers
FMG Repair Services are ‘tooling’ their apprentices to provide a helping hand for career success with delivery of their own new tool kits.
The kits, which are presented to new and existing apprentices, contain over £600 worth of brand new tools, specific to each apprentice’s discipline, with spray guns for Paint Technicians and dedicated tools for MET and Panel Technicians.
The investment is part of FMG Repair Services’ commitment to developing the next generation of vehicle repairers with an industry-leading apprenticeship programme. The three-year programmes align formal learning through block weeks at college with on the job training in the bodyshop including specialist skills development, one-to-one mentoring and careers support.
Paul Wrigglesworth, Operations Director at FMG Repair Services said, “There is a significant skills and talent gap in the automotive sector as a result of many years of rapid change in vehicle technology, fuel types and body materials. Bridging this gap is critical to the future of the automotive industry and that’s why we’re investing heavily in a truly holistic apprenticeship programme which includes practical skills and on-the-job training together with one-to-one mentoring and a programme of apprentice engagement events, to attract new talent to our sector.”
FMG Repair Services works in partnership with Morelli Group, the industry’s leading supplier of professional tools, for the supply of the tool kits.
Paul said “Accessing a career in the bodyshop industry has an initial cost implication for apprentices and we wanted to ensure this wasn’t creating a barrier. We’re delighted to give our apprentices this head-start in their bodyshop careers by teaching them to deliver the highest standards in vehicle repair using high quality tools and the latest technology and equipment in our state of the art bodyshops, to ensure their experience aligns to the real world as closely as possible. Our apprenticeship programme is developing the next generation of vehicle repairers with all the skills, tools, knowledge and confidence to lead the automotive industry into the future.”
Pic: Alyssa Head, Apprentice Panel Technician at FMG Repair Services Chelmsford