The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) will host its second panel beating and spray-painting skills competition of the year at Bergsig this week,providing learners with an opportunity to put their technical skills to the test in a practical environment.

The programme will kick off with the spray-painting and panel-beating skills competition at Bergsig during the week of 25 August, followed by spray-painter training conducted by Apex Paint on Thursday, 27 August. The programme will thenculminate in a prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, 29 August, at the Motor Mech Show at Daniel Pienaar.

Apex Paint is sponsoring the prizes for the spray-painting competition, while Dispatch Body Works and SAMBRA Eastern Cape are sponsoring the panel beating prizes.

According to Abie Kriek, SAMBRA Eastern Cape Association Representative, the competition is about more than winning.

“Skills competitions give learners the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned, gain valuable practical exposure and build confidence in their abilities. They also help us showcase the importance of these trades and create positivemomentum around careers in the motor body repair industry,” says Kriek.

SAMBRA believes initiatives such as these play an important role in strengthening the pipeline of skilled artisans while giving learners an opportunity to experience the standards and expectations of the professional industry.

“We are delighted to be hosting our second competition for the year and grateful to our industry partners and sponsors for supporting these initiatives. Their involvement helps us create meaningful opportunities for the next generationof panel beaters and spray painters,” Kriek adds.