The Assessor Mag Autumn 2024 Web - Flipbook - Page 13
The Bodyshop Thatcham VDA of the Year – an Award
powered by IAEA – assessment day.
Mel in action!
“We think that it’s important going
forward that the wider industry and
motor manufacturers work together to
help improve outcomes for customers
and a collaborative approach is
important,” added Simon.
is providing access to a mentor, who
support every single apprentice across
our business. They are vital to the
success of the programme and to put
it simply, we could not do it without
them.”
One of the main focuses for Solus
is helping to address the widening
and increasing skills gap across the
industry. Many experienced vehicle
technicians are retiring or leaving the
industry, which isn’t being matched by
apprentice intakes at most companies.
Solus also offers mid-career reskilling
options to its existing employees.
This sees the opportunity for existing
employees in other roles to complete
a formal apprenticeship, with their
current salary honoured as they study.
Solus has also created a trainee
scheme for Vehicle Damage Assessors
(VDAs). This features trainees from
across Solus who have worked in other
roles, but who already have industry
knowledge.
“We are committed to keeping our
industry thriving, so we are there for
our customers now and for the future,”
continued Clare. “We constantly strive
to create an inclusive environment, so
we can retain our talent and attract
new talent in, and we’ve been working
hard to change the perception of our
industry.”
Solus has an award-winning
apprenticeship programme and was
most recently named by Thatcham
Research as joint winner of its
Apprentice Employer of the Year title
at the ABP British Bodyshop Awards
(BBA). Since 2012, more than 275,000
mentoring hours have been clocked
up within Solus with 55 apprentices
qualifying through their programme.
“Every year we recruit new apprentices
for each of our repair centres. We’re all
incredibly proud of our apprenticeship
programme,” said Simon. “For us,
this scheme is about more than just
Solus. This is a way we can ensure the
longevity of our industry, helping to
address the biggest challenge facing
us all – the increasing skills gap. “A key
part of our apprenticeship programme
“VDAs are an important role in any
bodyshop, and by introducing a trainee
scheme for our people in other roles,
this is just another example of how we
are ensuring we have the skills for the
future – not just for our company but
the entire industry,” Clare added. “It’s
an incredibly exciting time for all of
us at Solus and our strategic partners,
Vizion. We’re growing and we’re also
committed to doing what we can to
tackle the challenges and issues facing
us all in the automotive repair sector.”
In addition to its ABP British Bodyshop
Award, Solus has also been celebrating
the success of Motor Assessor, Mel
Johnston, from Solus ARC Warrington,
who was named VDA of the Year 2024
at the Bodyshop Magazine Awards.
Powered by IAEA, the Bodyshop
Thatcham VDA of the Year 2024
practical assessments for the 昀椀nalists
took place in July at Thatcham
Research.
The four 昀椀nalists who made it
through to the practical assessments.
Mel was one of four 昀椀nalists who
made it through to the practical
assessments, having already
undergone a challenging online quiz
and probing telephone interview.
The practical assessment took place
under the watchful eye of judges from
The Institute of Automotive Engineer
Assessors: Les Minton, Jason Russell,
Matthew Taylor and Gary Hunt.
Mel, who has worked for Solus since
2010, said:
“It was an absolute privilege and
an honour to win VDA of the Year,
especially after being one of the top
four 昀椀nalists for the category in 2022
and 2023. It was a fantastic evening
and being able to share my win with
my wife, colleagues and senior leaders
from the Solus team made for a very
memorable night.
“I have worked in the repair industry
for more than 37 years – starting as a
mechanic, then moving on to being a
panel technician, body shop manager
and now as a VDA.
“I really enjoy entering the competition
as it helps keep your skills sharp in
what is an ever-changing industry. It
really is a fantastic way to keep testing
and pushing yourself outside of your
comfort zone – to anyone thinking of
entering, I’d say go for it.
“It was incredible to be able celebrate
with my Solus colleagues who all
won their categories at the awards
– including panel apprentice Albie
Rowlett and panel technician, Luke
Finch, along with the 30 under 30
winners. The atmosphere in the room
was amazing, with a positive buzz the
whole evening, and to be among so
many of the industry’s key peers and
leaders was quite something to behold
and quite humbling.
“I want to thank the whole Solus team
who work with me at the Warrington
sites and the leadership teams who
have given me the opportunity to
progress in my 14 years of working for
an industry leading employer. Here’s to
many more years of my career at Solus
and looking forward to a bright future.”
www.iaea-online.org/news/the-assessor | AUTUMN 2024 | THE ASSESSORS JOURNAL
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