by Alan Quick

LOCAL accident repair business, Fix Auto Mid Devon, hosted a careers open day for potential apprentices and their parents, careers teachers and tutors at the firm’s hi-tech, Crediton-based repair facility on Saturday, November 25.

Visitors were able to get a hands-on look at the latest accident repair products and workshop processes – from painting and prepping accident damaged vehicles, to plastic welding, computer resets and calculating the cost to repair a crashed car.

To support the local employer’s ambitious future growth plans the business is offering up to three apprenticeship places – guaranteed – each year at the bodyshop.

All the staff at Fix Auto Mid Devon got involved in welcoming potential apprentices and offering advice.

There was a chance to get “hands-on” with live demonstrations and see some fantastic supercars including a Tesla, an AC Cobra and a Ford Mustang.

Louise Woolacott, Director, Fix Auto Mid Devon, said: “Our industry needs bright youngsters as we have massive challenges and exciting times ahead with new tech such as driverless cars and 3D printing of parts.

“The feedback from suppliers, staff and students has been incredible.

“We have three students who have already asked to be considered for future apprenticeships and many more who we will continue to stay in dialogue with us as they progress through their secondary school education. Our staff and amazing suppliers are already asking for us to hold another event next year, so watch this space.”

Industry specialists also attended to support the event.

Many local young people attended and each was able to find out about career options available.

The students each took home a goody bag stuffed with merchandise from the bodyshop’s generous suppliers and there were some fantastic prizes on offer too.

Prizes were also awarded and included a £100 Argos voucher, (kindly donated by DeVilbiss) for the student who showed the most promise in the spray booth, a £50 Amazon voucher (kindly donated by Fix Auto UK) to the person who got closest to the estimated cost of repairing a vehicle on the Audatex stand.

A further prize draw for a tour of the Harry Potter Studio and a Now TV box was held for the students who completed each demonstration / experience on the day.

The event was the latest in a series of Industry Showcase Events organised with AutoRaise – the vehicle repair industry charity – to attract young people into what is a fast-moving, highly skilled, exciting and rewarding industry which is currently suffering from a severe shortage of skilled staff.

The award winning car accident repair centre was founded as G Woolacott and Son in 1970. It is now being run by the third generation of Woolacott’s as Fix Auto Mid Devon after joining the Fix Auto UK franchise of more than 620 bodyshops in 2010.