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Graduating Apprentices Make the Grade at Thatcham

Headlines | News Archive | July 2008 |  Graduating Apprentices Make the Grade at Thatcham

Graduating Apprentices Make the Grade at Thatcham The achievements of over 40 young crash repair vehicle technicians were being celebrated at Thatcham’s Automotive Academy this week in a specially arranged Apprentice Graduation ceremony. The Apprentice Graduation was one of many events that visitors were able to take in as the insurers’ vehicle research centre opened its doors to visitors from the insurance, vehicle security and repair industries. Guests joined senior representatives of the crash repair industry, on the 19th June, to applaud successful apprentices from the disciplines of Panel and Paint. These young technicians who now represent the next generation of crash repairers have studied for three years to complete their apprenticeships. Joining this year’s successful apprentices were a range of employers, friends, relatives and senior representatives of the UK crash repair industry, all keen to share the moment as these up and coming technicians celebrated a milestone in their careers. Thatcham’s Chief Operating Officer, Jason Moseley who hosted the awards and Chairman of the Thatcham board, Bill Paton were joined on stage during the ceremony by invited guests including Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry and Norwich Union’s former Chief Engineer, Phil Gledhill, himself previously an apprentice. Speaking after the ceremony, Phil said, “An apprenticeship really is an important foundation to a successful career in the motor repair industry. It’s so good to see apprenticeships coming to the fore once again with apprentices such as those here today, who have come through the Thatcham Apprentice Programme. It’s also great to see them being so well supported by their families and their employers who recognise where the future lies.” During the ceremony, two ‘Outstanding Achievers’ were additionally honoured for their particular tenacity in achieving an apprenticeship, against sometimes difficult odds. The winner for the Outstanding Achievement Award in Panel was David Morgan of Nationwide Crash Repair Centre, Hereford and in Paint, Ashley Pendel of Nationwide Crash Repair Centre Cheltenham. Jason Moseley, Chief Operating Officer at Thatcham said, “We are delighted to welcome so many guests to Thatcham today to help honour the achievements of these young people who now represent the future of the crash repair industry in the UK. My sincere congratulations and good luck go to all of them.”

Headlines | News Archive | July 2008 |  Graduating Apprentices Make the Grade at Thatcham

 

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