The Lead Painter Accreditation training initiative between PPG Industries (NEXA AUTOCOLOR® brand) and Nationwide Crash Repair Centres is now over half way and approaching the final at Thatcham's Automotive Academy.
The Lead Painter Accreditation Course is a combined training programme and competition designed to enhance painter skills and extend the adoption of best practice techniques through 'right first time' processes across the Nationwide group.
Run by PPG Industries, the course and competition reinforces best practice techniques, recognises and rewards technical excellence across the Nationwide group.
The training which commenced in October 2012 is now over 75% complete with over 40 painters having attended the course and competition at PPG Stowmarket. The painters have embraced the new methods and taken away valuable learning's which they are imparting with their colleagues at their sites.
Chris Pennell, Nexa Autocolor Training Manager, comments on the course so far "The feedback from the course has been outstanding. The painters at Nationwide have really valued the opportunity to be trained in the latest methods. The LPAC course is proving to improve technician confidence and effectiveness colour matching and new repair techniques"
The course is designed to challenge and develop the skills of repairers in an array of areas including colour matching, special effect finishes, SMART repair and paint rectification. Painters are judged throughout the course on their ability to demonstrate their competence in technical knowledge of the refinish process, Health and Safety compliance and their skills in the overall paint application process.
Eight of the top painters from the two day training programme at Stowmarket will be invited to Thatcham Automotive Academy on 6th June 2013 to pitch their skills against their colleagues in an advanced series of tasks to become the Nationwide 'Lead Painter Accreditation Champion'. The winner will receive a full Apple package including IMac, Ipad and IPhone courtesy of PPG and the accolade of being the 'Lead Painter in NCRC'.
Lesley Upham, Thatcham Commercial Director comments "We are really pleased to be hosting the LPAC competition in partnership with PPG and Nationwide Crash Repair. Thatcham work closely with Nationwide to provide focussed training for their apprentice and senior technicians and we recognise the importance of encouraging best practice and recognising excellence at every stage of a technician's career. Thatcham's Academy provides the perfect environment for competitors to showcase the excellent skills that the UK repair industry can be so proud of."
Daemon Pink, Nationwide Operations Director adds "The feedback from our team has been excellent and this further demonstrates that providing the best quality repair, allied with great service, is at the forefront of everything we do. Our great relationship with PPG continues to offer wide benefits".