THREE motor body repair technicians are getting formal training and improving their technical skills under an apprenticeship scheme as CD Auction Group recruits to bridge the skills gap.
Two of the Corby-based vehicle auction company apprentices, Declan Geary (20) and James Dunkley (25), are spending one day a week attending the Peterborough Skills Academy, studying for their Level 2 apprenticeship in the IMIAL Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles.
A third employee, Andy Mason (32), is studying for his Level 3 apprenticeship at the same college as part of his career development programme.
When they are not in the class room at the academy, all three spend the rest of the working week learning practical skills in the company’s motor body repair workshop on St James industrial estate, Corby.
MD Andy Brown said: “We firmly believe in having a skilled workforce to deliver the best possible service to our customers. So we are delighted to be able to support Declan, James and Andy in developing their technical skills and advancing their careers.
“There is a skills gap across the automotive and body repair sectors and this investment in our staff demonstrates our commitment to furthering our employees’ future. As the business expands we will be needing more fully skilled and motivated people to join our team.”
CD Auction Group auctions hundreds of cars and commercial vehicles online each week, linking vendors and buyers nationally and internationally. The body repair workshop is available to ensure vehicles are presented for sale in the best possible condition.
Declan Geary joined the company in August 2014 and James Dunkley has been working there since March 2015. Both joined the apprenticeship scheme after proving their skills and gaining initial training under the guidance of workshop manager Lee Harrison. Andy Mason has worked for CD Auction Group since 2010.
