PPG Industries and NCRC LPAC 2013 'a real success'
PPG and Nationwide CRC are pleased to announce the winner of the Lead Painter Accreditation competition; Andy Taylor of NCRC Edinburgh.
The Lead Painter Accreditation Competition programme, designed to reinforce best practice techniques and promote technical excellence across the Nationwide group, ran from October 2012 to June 2013 and saw painters from 59 Nationwide Repair sites go through an intensive two day course and assessment at PPG Stowmarket.
Eight of the top painters from the programme were invited to Thatcham Automotive Academy on Thursday 6th June to compete to win the LPAC champion title.
The painters completed several stages of assessment testing skill areas from application and colour matching to polishing and health and safety.
Firstly, painters were tasked with application of frozen bronze Basecoat and Matt Clearcoat on a pre-primed wing. The second task tested colour matching skill; painters were supplied with an off shade premixed colour and had to colour match to a painted wing. Painters were then asked to repair a small area of damage on a panel and fadeout the Basecoat and Clearcoat within the panel.
The final task saw the painters produce stunning effects by masking off and polishing an individual custom design into Matt Clearcoat panels. Health and Safety was observed and scored throughout the day.
All of the eight finalists were strong performers and demonstrated an exceptional level of skill, but there was one clear winner who achieved a tremendous score of 286 out of a possible 300.
Congratulations to Andy Taylor of NCRC Edinburgh who took away with him an iMac, iPad and iPhone courtesy of PPG and a custom designed GTI Pro spraygun and engraved trophy courtesy of Devilbiss.
Andy Taylor of Nationwide Edinburgh commented, "To have won the title of LPAC champion within the Nationwide Repair Group makes me immensely proud! The LPAC programme delivered by PPG and Nationwide has been excellent and has helped me to increase my skillset with the latest products, and to revisit the importance of consistency through process"
A big well done to the seven other painters who put in a great effort and went away with two LPAC branded SRI Pro sprayguns and a Nexa Autocolor goody bag.
Daemon Pink, Operations Director for Nationwide Repair Centres, commented on the LPAC programme success "This programme has been a real success in further improving work standards and helping eliminate repair quality complaints. At every level, our team always want to do the best for our customers and this was very evident today."
Simon Meredith UK Major Accounts Manager adds "The LPAC final gave credence to all finalists' skillsets, and 'consistency' was definitely apparent with only a handful of points separating 1st & 8th.
It was pleasing to see that all finalists had developed their skills in colour matching and application, and showed confidence in using new products.
I am confident that the LPAC programme will continue to deliver improvements in Key to Key and Cycle time all culminating from the 'right first time' approach being led by Nationwide Lead Painters. My congratulations to the whole team."
IMAGES - Andy Taylor, NCRC LPAC Champion and the LPAC team with Daemon Pink NCRC Operations Director