Apprentices are a crucial part of the future of the repair industry. Keeping them to ensure they flourish as qualified technicians is critical to their success.
The Sheen Group, one of Victoria’s largest MSOs, has a program that delivers outstanding retention rates and results by developing the culture early.
Sheen Panel Service believes that “people are their greatest asset.”
From experienced technicians to frontline customer service, every team member plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality smash repairs and maintaining the reputation they’ve built over the decades. Among these team members, one group holds particular importance for the future of the industry: apprentices.
Learning the Sheen mentality and methodology from the ground up, their apprentices absorb industry-best practices while working alongside seasoned professionals. This blend of hands-on training and formal education ensures they are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern vehicle repair – now and into the future.
Sheen understands the reality of automotive trades, with fewer young people entering vocational training, and many experienced technicians nearing retirement age the industry is facing a skills shortage across Australia. Sheen knows this is something businesses need to tackle head on. Investing in apprentices not only for their benefit but for the survival of the industry.
Commitment to apprentices goes beyond technical instruction and Sheen are experts in paving the path with their apprentice program. They provide mentorship, financial assistance, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
Strong focus
Sheen Group Managing Director Adam Stone says they are proud their focus continues to be strong on people and growth.
“We want our apprentices to thrive so they can build rewarding careers with us.” Adam says.
“Many of our apprentices go on to become senior technicians, workshop managers, or even business leaders within the Sheen network. Their journey starts with a trade, but it can lead anywhere.”
Role models
One of the great examples Sheen is proud to highlight, is award winning apprentice Josh Coates.
Josh Coates, a third-year automotive repair apprentice based at Sheen Bayswater, was announced as a finalist for the National Collision Repairer Next Generation Leader award.
“Josh has something you can’t teach, drive. He wants to do well – and clearly, he is,” Sheen Group Apprentice Manager Tony Todaro says.
His managers and mentors agree that Josh is a dedicated young man whose future has enormous potential in the industry.
Previously awarded the Sheen Apprentice of the Year 2024, Josh also recently won Gold at the WorldSkills regional finals.
Sheen Bayswater manager Bryan Faulkner says he is a valued member of the team at their workshop, where he feels the shop “has been spoilt” because apprentices like Josh are so rare.
Support
For Josh, he attributes his success to his experience with Sheen.
“I’ve been supported every step of the way,” Josh says.
“Sheen have given me opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, but I am mostly grateful for my team. I wouldn’t know half of my trade if it was not for the others in the shop at Bayswater.”
He is now looking forward to being a fully qualified panel technician.
For the Sheen Panel Service, apprentices aren’t just part of the team – they’re the future of it. Supporting them is not just good business; it is responsible as industry leaders. They’re not just repairing cars – they’re building careers, shaping futures, and driving the automotive trade forward.
Sheen Panel Service is always on the lookout for apprentices and with 27 locations throughout Victoria they have the capacity and the ability to kickstart automotive careers.
Want to learn more? Go to the dedicated Sheen group page here.