Poole Accident Repair: painting a bright future in Poole

Dorset’s repair facility, Poole Accident Repair, is recruiting three additional apprentices across its three manufacturer Paint and Body schemes; Panel Technician, Mechanical Electrical Technician and Paint Technician.

Leon Coupland, director of Poole Accident Repair said, “Due to a skills shortage in the automotive repair industry, we are bringing new blood into the industry today, ensuring the qualified talent of the future. Our apprenticeships offer hands-on experience by working on vehicles at technical college and within the company allowing them to earn whilst they learn.”

The Paint and Body apprenticeships are in conjunction with top manufacturers Volkswagen Group and Volvo Cars UK and provide a paid opportunity for students to gain nationally recognised qualifications. Once completed the apprentices will be qualified to work on vehicles within a team of specialists, performing technical, cosmetic and structural damage repair to a prestige standard.

“Poole Accident Repair is committed to developing the skills of young people and we currently have six apprentices in training with more planned for later this year. An apprenticeship at Poole Accident Repair combines a strong practical element with a theoretical background. We are a state-of-the-art multi material facility, ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the right skills and tooling to tackle the complex automotive multi-material and technological challenges of the future,” continued Coupland.

Sam O’Shea, a former Poole Accident Repair apprentice was awarded VW Apprentice of the year 2015. Sam is now a qualified panel technician working on prestige vehicles from manufactures such as Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Tesla.

Sam said, “As a result of my success, I am committed to encouraging, educating and supporting new apprentices throughout their training at Poole Accident Repair to ensure they get the best from their apprenticeship.”