The event was set up to encourage much needed young people interested in the motor trade to come in and get hands on. The sessions were kept to a select number of attendees that gave the event a real family feel, which is what Fix Auto Mid Devon are all about.
"The feedback from suppliers, staff and students has been incredible" said Louise. "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 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".
The event welcomed young people, their families, teachers and local dignitaries for a morning or afternoon session, with a free BBQ lunch, courtesy of chef, Kevin Woolacott (Louise's husband and co-owner of Fix Auto Mid Devon), who came out of retirement for the day. 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. 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) was awarded 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.
This event is 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. A shortage which is apparently felt around the world as Panel & Paint Magazine in Australia shared one of Fix Auto Mid Devon's Facebook posts during the event on Saturday, commenting that this initiative was needed in Australia too.
For all the photos and videos of the day please visit Fix Auto Mid Devon's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FixAutoMidDevon
It's essential that the industry gets behind addressing the skills shortage, whether it be taking on new apprentices, hosting Industry Showcase Events or simply helping to spread the word.