Bodyshop – August 2019

Conducted in the Remit Group Automotive Academy

workshop, the practical tasks were a combination of

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and dent repairs, all under the watchful eye of an

independent Remit assessor.

With new paint, body and MET apprenticeship

standards launched by Remit this summer,

these practical assessments, completed under

exam conditions, will replicate the new end point

assessments that each apprentice must pass at the end

of their programme. For each of this year’s competitors

however, this was a new experience.

Task one was a welding brief that required each

candidate to create three welded joints; a MAG welded

lap joint, a MAG welded butt joint and a resistance spot

welded joint that included four, equally spaced spots in

a straight line.

Competitors set their own measurements, while

overall the judges were looking for competitors to use

practice test spots and achieve good penetration of the

welds.

Task two was to carry out two minor vehicle panel

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the method they felt most appropriate. Each repair

had to be completed to an industry standard ready to

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instruction not to strike the panel to remove the dent

from the rear with a hammer - only a dolly was to be

used on the rear of the panel.

Each competitor received a range of tools and was

assessed on their use of PPE and safe working

practice, as much as their ability to complete the

repairs in line with accepted processes and

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to a suitable standard.

Task three was to remove and

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strip the nearside front and rear doors ready for the

application of paint and complete a vehicle check

sheet.

Overall, the judges were keen to see that full pre and

post repair checks were carried out on the vehicle to

ensure each competitor adhered to good workshop

practice as well as demonstrating their competence in

completing the job.

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Unlike the previous tasks, this job did not come with

detailed step-by-step instructions as judges were

looking at the competitors’ systematic approach and

use of common sense when approaching the task.

Throughout the day, judges were hot on the correct

health and safety protocols, checking for the correct

use of PPE and the right tools, and the competitors’

ability to make good decisions on their approach to

each task.

The winner will be announced at the

bodyshop Live! 2019 awards

ceremony in September.

BODYSHOP AUGUST 2019 21

James Bullass

concentrates on a

plastic repair

Jacob Adams

carrying out a

plastic repair

Dafydd Hughes

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front wing

Ollie Alexander
mid MAG
weld exercise