Smash repair apprentices in the national spotlight

NRMA Insurance, SGIO, SGIC and RACV will recognise the smash repair industry’s best new talent through the 2011 Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Employers or registered training organisations are asked to nominate apprentice panel beaters or vehicle painters, employed within the NRMA Insurance, SGIO, SGIC or RACV repairer network.

Regional winners will be selected from metropolitan Sydney, regional NSW and the ACT, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia and the winners from each region will receive $5000 to put towards training and career development, as well as the honour of being named apprentice of the year for their state.

NRMA Insurance national manager supply chain, Roy Briggs, said the Apprentice of the Year program recognises the skills of outstanding individuals starting out in their new career.

“We want to profile the achievements of new people in the industry – it’s one of the ways we can support the next generation of smash repairers,” he said. “And by promoting the work of apprentices, it will help encourage other people to get involved in the smash repair industry.”

The award was established in 2008 and Briggs said past winners had put the award money towards completing study and attending various tradeshows and workshops overseas.

“Each year we have a number of terrific candidates – these people are a real asset to the industry. We select the award winners based on each apprentice’s technical skills, ongoing personal development, customer service delivery and their contribution to the community and environment.”

Nominations are open until 11 March 2011 through the Jumpstart website. “It’s a great way to give recognition to an apprentice who is doing a terrific job – I hope many local smash repairers can nominate someone,” Briggs said.

The Apprentice of the Year Program is part of the Jumpstart Trade Careers program, an initiative to assist in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the smash repair industry in Australia.

For more information about the 2011 Apprentice of the Year visit www.jumpstarttradecareers.com.au