PPG and Nationwide approach Lead Painter competition final
PPG and Nationwide Crash Repair Centres are excited to be holding the second Lead Painter Accreditation Course, with the final taking place at the end of September.
The Lead Painter Accreditation Course (LPAC) is a combined training programme and competition designed to enhance individual painter skill sets, as well as coaching best practice techniques throughout the Nationwide network.
In October 2013, the LPAC programme was set up after a Nationwide Operative attended a PPG training day, and then returned to site and trained colleagues on what they had been taught. Nationwide’s goal of achieving ‘right first time’ results has shaped the LPAC course. A nominated painter from each site attain a lead trainer status, enabling them to pass their knowledge and skills onto colleagues. This, in turn, ensures an extension of best practice techniques throughout the Network.
The two day intensive training programme is held at PPGs recently refurbished Technical Training Centre, located in Stowmarket, and began in October 2015. In the past year eighteen courses have taken place with fifty delegates, from across the network, attending. The ‘Lead Painter’ search is now 90% complete having whittled the delegates down to just six finalists.
Chris Pennell, Technical Manager, PPG comments; “The feedback from the course has been exceptional. The LPAC course is shaped to provide technicians with new skill sets, best practice techniques whilst boosting moral across the business.”
The course is designed to not only challenge the painters but to also develop the skills of the repairer in an array of areas including SMART repair, colour matching and special effect colours. During the final, the painters will be judged on their technical ability and challenging finishes, as well as their ability to demonstrate their competence in technical knowledge, Health and Safety compliance and overall skills in the paint process.
Simon Meredith, PPG National Account Manager stated; “It’s been really exciting to run the LPAC competition, for the second time, in partnership with Nationwide Crash Repair. It’s a true testimony to both parties looking to deliver ‘right first time’ results every time through process and people development”.
Michael Wilmshurst, CEO Nationwide then added “Working closely with PPG we have been able to improve the efficiency of our paint processes and the skill of our paint team, year on year. The lead painter program is an important part of this ongoing program and we look forward to celebrating the success of our finalists when they meet later this year. The reality is we all benefit from the program at a time when technology, including paint and its application, continues to progress. This program keeps all of our paint team at the leading edge, which is where our customers expect us to be”
The six finalists will compete against their colleagues on the 27th September to become the Nationwide ‘Lead Painter Accreditation Champion’. The winner will receive an array of prizes and the accolade of being the ‘Lead Painter in NCRC’.
For more information please contact ukmarketing@ppg.com