Bridgend Training Academy Week 2 - Paint & Body Work

Week 2 of the Bridgend Training Academy focused on the Paint & Body Work side of the business with one trainee starting on Week 1 as he was just back from holidays so Alex went into the Valet & Detailing department in Kilmarnock. Welcome Alex! 

We also missed Sandy this week but it was all good as his partner gave birth to their healthy baby boy so he is now on paternity leave.

So Week 2 took place between the Ayr and Kilwinning Paintshops with each trainee at Kilwinning spending a day with Gordon in the mobile smart repair van which everyone seemed to enjoy! 

Over the course of the week the trainees were shown aspects of how we go about body repairs including masking vehicles to prepare for paintwork, sanding, alloy wheel refurbishment, using the buffing machine and the airlines correctly and safely, small scratch repairs and learning about the various chemicals used and the all important keeping your work area clean and tidy! 

On Friday all the trainees received their certificates from their mentors and filled in their self appraisal forms - here are some of the comments

"I felt I fitted in straight away and got down to work. Everyone that I worked with was more than helpful"

"I found the paint and panel work very interesting and would like to learn more about it. I really enjoyed this week again and had a very helpful mentor"

"I enjoyed every part of this week especially my day in the mobile van with Gordon"

"I haven't failed to enjoy anything in the bodywork shop and it's probably the area so far I would like to work in. The mentors have been great with us if we had any problems or questions. This would definitely be something I'm interested in"

Bridgend's Paint & Body Team who were the mentors for the week also commented on the trainees!

"Cannot fault these trainees. Keen, enthusiastic and willing to learn"

"Enjoyed mentoring! He was always asking questions and when he had finished his tasks he would pick up a brush and sweep the floor without being asked"

"Hard grafter my trainee. Not afraid of hard work. Put in a good shift this week"

"Very impressed with my trainee. Didn't have to explain things twice. Picked up on tasks first time" 

Week 3 is being spent in the Mechanical Workshops at Ayr, Kilwinning and Kilmarnock! 

Bridgend Training Academy Week 1 - Valeting & Detailing

Week 1 Day 1 of the Bridgend Training Academy focused on induction, Health & Safety, orientation and introductions to future colleagues as well as receiving a welcome pack.

Week 1 was spent in the Valeting & Detailing Department at the Kilwinning and Irvine Branches with each trainee being given a mentor to show them the skills and qualities required to ensure our cars are gleaming inside and out. On Day 2 the trainees were issued their special Training Academy workwear and safety boots.

Over the next few days the trainees were shown how to polish, hoover, wash and buff the cars as well as learning how to use the computerised number plate machine to make up new plates and learning about the different chemicals we use and how to use these safely.

On Friday all the successful candidates received their certificates from their mentors and filled in their Self Appraisals. Here are some of the comments..

"The mentors were great to work with and their instructions were easy to follow"

" I couldn't have done this week without my mentor being patient and teaching us in a way that was easy to understand. I really enjoyed this week!"

"I have really enjoyed valeting and seeing the end results and learning new skills"

"I had a fab mentor!"

"I have enjoyed this and seeing the end results after cleaning. My mentor was really helpful and knowledgeable and made me feel part of the team"

"My mentor was excellent at training. Really enjoyed valeting, would love doing this as a full time job"

Bridgend's own Valet Team who were the mentors for the week also commented on the trainees

"What a hard working, keen, nice group of people. It was a pleasure to have them here for the week"

"So good to see a good work ethic and attitude from my trainee"

"It was nice to work with the trainees this week. They were so nice. Big thumbs up from me!"

"Couldn't ask for a better group for the first Training Academy. I had my reservations but as soon as they came in you could tell they had a great attitude. I enjoyed being a mentor for the week"

Week 2 is being spent in the Paint Shops at Ayr and Kilwinning as well as our mobile van!