AkzoNobel's Holmes shows it's elementary

Eight of Dubbo’s best stage two-level apprentice automotive spray painters enjoyed an in-depth, three-day educational session using the latest Sikkens products.

George Holmes, AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings’ Technical Sales Representative, conducted the training for the students from Dubbo TAFE Western in NSW.

Holmes targeted various processes such as three-layer application and spot repair, using the Sikkens Colorbuild Plus primer system wet-on-wet, Sikkens Autobase Plus basecoat and Sikkens Autoclear Plus HS clearcoat. These were designed to challenge the participants and help further their skill and knowledge levels in readiness for industry life.

“These students are already producing impressive results,” Holmes said.

“And their attitude is spot-on: everyone followed each instruction carefully and they listened intently for the full three days.”

According to Holmes, ongoing training for the collision repair industry’s more junior members is critical.

“Our TAFE-based training is a regular part of our education and training calendar and it’s essential for one simple reason: these students are the future of our industry.”

One of the students, Luke Phelps from Primmers Smash Repairs in Dubbo said: “It’s not something I’ll forget any time soon. It was very educational and I learned a lot about colour blending and coverage,” he said.

For many of the student participants, the Dubbo TAFE training session with AkzoNobel Sikkens was their first encounter with the company’s products. Holmes’ training demonstrated the importance of workshop efficiency through reduced material use and faster repair times.