8:56 am, August 15, 2008
PAUL Abbey has just been crowned the UK’s top automotive technician.
20-year-old Abbey works at Gattonside Garage in the Scottish Borders, and emerged victorious in a national skills competition.
The UK Skillauto competition in the ‘Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance’ category was held at the Motor Industry Repair Centre at Thatcham.
Abbey had to show a full range of diagnostic and repair skills, on various vehicles and systems. For doing so with such skill, he took away a trophy and a stash of Snap-On tools.
The winner’s boss, Bill Lowes, was suitably chuffed with having a UK national champ on his payroll. ‘We never doubted Paul would do well and I’m sure his enthusiasm, commitment and attitude will see him through the next stage.’
Abbey is no stranger to prizes. He’s also the 2006 Border Apprentice of the Year, and won the Scottish heat of the Skillauto competition a year later.
Now, he’s off to Canada, for the Worldskills competition. Have we a World Champion in the making?
This is certainly something you can use to promote your business. As GCSE results focus attention on apprenticeships, this demonstration of how effective they can be should be a key tool if you’re looking to attract eager young recruits (and gain their parent’s approval).
Who knows, the future World Champ could be walking through your door, GCSE results in hand, next Thursday…
