FLORIDA PANEL BEATERS TRAINING CENTRE
In the competitive body repair industry, it’s rare for a company to take a different approach and lead with their hearts. That’s why when it happens, it’s worth taking note. Florida Panelbeaters have taken it upon themselves to make a difference for the positive in the automotive repair industry. Their training initiative has been operating since late last year.
Marlon Tibbetts, the company’s technical expert, has taken on the challenge of training unemployed young people from the local Florida area, located West of Johannesburg. The company operates out of their spacious body shop on Hull Street and has gathered a team of retired journeymen from various disciplines – body repair, mechanical and spray painting – to assist and mentor the apprentices.
There are 37 trainees. Thirteen of these students are from the local TVET college who have already received theoretical training but need hands-on hours to implement what they have learnt. The rest of the students are walk-ins who saw the advertisement on the side of the body shop. The trainees work responsibly and are always on time.
The students work hard from 07h30 to 17h00 every day, with no wages, in exchange for the opportunity to gain skills and build a future in the industry and for themselves. “They are hungry to learn, happy for the opportunity, and are really fast learners as well. The results are already speaking for themselves and it’s still early days.” Says Marlon.
As company owner Nicolette Tibbetts explains: “The programme has been incredibly well received. So much so, that we’ve recently purchased an additional property next door that we want to convert into accommodation for students as well as extra training space.” The demand for trade training has skyrocketed, with the waiting list for new students now reaching 60.
Marlon, who has overcome a period of poor health, says this is his second chance in life and that it’s his vocational mission to give back to the industry.
Florida Panelbeaters completes 30 cars a week while simultaneously carrying out this mentorship programme.
Despite the centre’s success, it’s disappointing that there has been no support from Merseta and other government and political parties. Once again, it’s up to us to set our own goals and achieve them. Marlon remains optimistic. “The good-hearted ethics of our company will win out,” he says. “We’re moving forward, like we always do – with faith and determination. We are already making a difference to each and every individual in training.”
If any sponsors or like-minded passionate companies would like to join this initiative, reach out to Nicolette on +27 (0)11 472 4441 or nicky@floridapanelbeaters.co.za.
Story by Ian Groat
Pics by Jay Groat
