Following a number of successful AutoRaise Industry Showcase Events, Fleetline Coachworks is hosting an Industry Showcase Event to open the doors to of the Croydon high-tech repair facility.
AutoRaise – the vehicle repair industry charity – is pleased to announce the next AutoRaise Industry Showcase Event will take place at Fleetline Coachworks’ impressive Croydon bodyshop on Wednesday 12th July, from 5:30-9:30pm.
Young people, parents and local visitors will get a hands-on look at the latest accident repair products and workshop processes – from paint and prep to plastic welding, jig, geometry and ADAS resets . estimating process, plus more.
The open evening will see Fleetline’s entire team involved in welcoming potential apprentices to what could be their first experience of the bodyshop world. The senior management, team leaders and technicians will get ‘hands-on’ with live demonstrations, sharing technical information and proving a neat, insider’s view of bodyshop repair processes.
Interest from local schools and colleges has been promising; all agree it’s a great idea and many have said they have been been looking for this sort of event to introduce career options to young people.
“It’s vital we showcase the industry and the career opportunities,” said Steve Harris, Fleetline. “Often, people have an outdated impression of the “Fred in the shed” industry which simply isn’t true. We have a new shop, with huge investment of latest and ground breaking technology, equipment and processes. The need to attract a larger number of high calibre individuals and enthuse them about the possibility of an extremely rewarding career within the industry is key to our future success as a sector. This is about promoting the many varied career opportunities, not just for ourselves but the industry as a whole.”
To support Fleetline’s ambitious future growth plans the business is aiming invest in three or four apprentices each year.
Encouraging to hear is feedback from schools invited to attend the July event. “The schools thought it was a fantastic idea to engage the younger generations,” explained Fleetline’s Nina Harris. “One secondary school – Harris Academy Purley – pointed out that they used to run classes In vehicle maintenance, but had to stop the classes last year due to government funding cuts. They were thrilled to hear of opportunities for apprenticeships within the Automobile Industry, open day and talks within the schools. Wolsey Junior Academy said that this is just what we need to give the children enthusiasm for the future.”
It’s essential that the industry gets behind addressing the skills shortage, whether it be taking on new apprentices, hosting Industry Showcase Events or simply helping to spread the word.
