Bridgend Apprentice Recognised as one of the Finest Car Painters of the Future

WITNEY, UNITED KINGDOM – Sept 16, 2011: Daniel Coles, a 22 year old apprentice from the Nationwide Repair Centre in Bridgend, has been named as one of the finest vehicle paint technicians of his generation after coming second in the UK finals of the internationally respected World Skills Autobody Car Painting competition – despite still having a full year of his apprenticeship to complete.

The competition is part of the annual World Skills Competition and is organised in partnership with SkillAuto, a subsidiary of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Automotive paint technicians are expected to demonstrate the technical and practical skills required to be a successful modern day automotive paint technician by working on a selection of cars and panels. The competition is open to anyone currently studying or having recently completed S/NVQ level 3 in vehicle body and paint operations. Competitors must also have less than three years experience within their profession.

Over 1050 students from across the UK entered the competition but Daniel flew through the Welsh regional heat at Coleg Glan Hafren, Cardiff’s Tertiary College, by coming first and scoring extremely highly in all sections.

During the National finals, held at the Du Pont Training Centre in Stevenage, the finalists were tested in five areas: repairing damage and painting an outer bonnet, painting an inner bonnet, scratch repair, colour matching, and colour for design.

Kevin Donnelly, Daniel’s Territory Manger who is responsible for all the Nationwide Repair Centres in South Wales, was delighted that Daniel had done so well. “Daniel is a conscientious and unassuming young man who doesn’t promote himself to the extent of his talent and his ability. Nationwide is always keen to develop and support young people so it is wonderful to see him becoming more confident and being recognised for his tremendous skill as a vehicle painter. It’s a very prestigious award.”