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With a shortage of skilled individuals in the repair and refinish industry and vehicles becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, never has there been a greater need for competent technicians. That’s why The ARC Group turned to AkzoNobel to help our Vehicle Repair apprentices achieve their Automotive Senior Paint Technician Accreditation (ATA).
ARC Group owner, Chris Pomroy explains: “AkzoNobel has been our main paint supplier for all our sites for over 15 years now and we’ve always been so impressed with its service. Around two years ago we recognised the importance of getting our apprentices the very best training available, not just to improve our own service and profitability, but to also inspire them to stay in the industry.”
“That’s why we turned to AkzoNobel - they got our apprentices ATA-accredited around 12 months quicker than if we were to send them to a local college just to get an NVQ.”
Jamie Palmer, 19, from Chippenham ARC, says: “The training has really built up my confidence and I’ve learnt so much more about the industry. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the different stages of vehicle refinishing and bringing them all together to get vehicles looking as good as new again.”
“Painting’s definitely been my favourite part of the course,” adds Joseph Capel, 18, from Bristol ARC, “but it’s been great that we’ve had the chance to give everything a good go.”
Chris goes on to say: “When our apprentices come back from training at AkzoNobel they seem genuinely inspired. They get to prep and spray real vehicles, which helps them better understand products and application.”
19-year-old Ayse Egemen from Swindon ARC, explains: “I’ve always had an interest in cars, but I’ve gone from not knowing a lot about them at the start of my apprenticeship to feeling like I’ve got a great understanding of vehicle refinishing and the industry as a whole.”
AkzoNobel’s Mick Finch comments: “Our training centre is second to none - it’s only just over two years old and has everything you could possibly need to prepare someone to work in a modern-day bodyshop. Like The ARC Group, we’re passionate about making sure young apprentices get the very best training possible because we want to be working with quality bodyshops full of highly skilled people.”
Apprentices who pass through AkzoNobel’s training centre also have the option of returning as fully qualified paint technicians for add-on courses to increase their skill-set. For more information on becoming a Vehicle Repair apprentice, please come and talk to us here at ARC Group or contact AkzoNobel direct on ukatc.bookings@akzonobel.com or 01235 862226.