Suncorp Group has recruited 55 new members to its apprentice scholarship programme, established to support training in the motor industry and provide young Australians with qualifications and career opportunities.
Recruits were given notice of their acceptance in February and have already begun training in Suncorp’s various Network Panel Repairers throughout the country. The scholarship programme has been running for over 10 years and currently supports over 100 apprentices across Australia. More than 600 apprentices have passed through the programme since it began.
As part of the programme, Suncorp provides subsidies to repairers to the value of $12,000 for a four-year apprenticeship, to help with the costs of employing and training the apprentices. Additionally, for every year of successfully completed studies, Suncorp provides apprentices with $1000 to assist with tools, equipment, and study-related purchases.
“The Suncorp Group needs quality repairers to ensure we are providing the best service to our customers,” said Brett Wallace, Executive Manager Assessing and Repair Performance, Suncorp. “Our apprenticeship programme is one way we ensure quality repairers are coming up through the ranks and contributing to the future of the motor repair industry. It is a true reflection of our repairers’ commitment to supporting a sustainable industry.”
Suncorp says apprentices receive most of their training in the workshop where they specialise in either panel beating or spray painting, along with attending local TAFEs to support their on-the-job training with theoretical knowledge. Once completed, apprentices graduate from the programme with either a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology or a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, and are eligible to work as fully qualified panel repairers or spray painters.