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Lachlan Cheney, Sheen Panel Service, Future Leader of the Industry

NCR FLI Cheney

The latest Future Leader of the Industry presentation was made to third year autobody repair apprentice and Sheen Group body repair apprentice of the year Lachlan Cheney at the Kangan Institute Automotive Centre of Excellence.

After a brief introduction, MC George Manos, IAG’s Manager, Industry Risk & Governance, welcomed the guests and thanked Michael Mavrakakis of Kangan Institute for hosting the event. Manos then invited Tony Todaro, who runs the Sheen Panel Service Apprentice Program, to say few words.

“Since Lachlan joined us three years ago, he has been a great asset to the business. He continues to develop his technical skills and shows great commitment to his craft. I am confident he has a long future in our industry. Congratulations,” said Todaro.

Sabrina Man of I-CAR Australia presented Lachlan with two I-CAR training vouchers and added that I-CAR was honoured to support the awards. She encouraged Lachlan to never stop learning. “It’s clear that you have a commitment to self-development, which is already being recognised. Keep up the great work.”

Manos returned to “the podium” and invited Lachlan to come forward for an impromptu interview.

GM:    Tell us where it all began. How did you develop your passion for cars?

LC:     I learned to work on cars from my grandfather, and I built on this knowledge working with my friends on our own cars as we grew up.

GM:    And how did you get to be at Sheen Panel Service?

LC:     It was my partner, Mita, who suggested I consider a career in panel beating, so I applied for an apprenticeship. They liked what they saw, and I was offered a role within a week.

GM:    I believe you are now in your final year and are soon to complete your TAFE requirements. How have you found this with the various lockdowns?

LC:     We made the adjustment fairly quickly with the support of Sheen and the team here at the TAFE. It’s been so great to keep the momentum going.

GM:    How did you find the experience at Kangan Institute, particularly the Sheen Apprentice Program?

LC:     The program is really great because we also get to do a bit of fabricating, which really helps to develop our fundamental skills. It’s a great team.

GM:    So, what is it about Sheen that continues to keep you engaged?

LC:     The work environment is really great as all the apprentices receive ongoing support from the more experienced staff. It’s fantastic to be part of the Sheen Team.

GM:    Tell us about the Kangan Institute’s 2020 Industry Excellence Awards?

LC:     It was such a great thrill to be recognised and rewarded, and I again want to thank the businesses and the TAFE for their support.

GM:    And where do you see yourself in say, 5 years’ time?

LC:     I will definitely still be in the industry and plan to continue to develop my skills. Who really knows what the future holds?

GM:    And finally – what is your current car, and what is your dream car?

LC:     We just bought an SUV as our family car, but my dream car is an XD Falcon sedan 351 Stroker!

Manos then congratulated Lachlan on his achievements and presented his Future Leader of the Industry certificate. He concluded: “IAG is proud to continue its partnership with the National Collision Repairer on the Future Leaders of the Industry initiative. The program is strongly aligned with IAG’s own values.”

On receiving his award, Lachlan said: “I am extremely grateful to Sheen Panel Service, the team at Kangan Institute and, of course, I-CAR Australia and IAG for their support of this award.”

Editor: IAG’s ongoing support and sponsorship of these awards is greatly appreciated. We congratulate Lachlan and wish him every success in his career.

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