Many talented individuals, including Callum Green from ChipsAway North Tyneside, recently competed against each other at the Skill Auto national finals held at the NEC, in categories such as Automotive Technology, Refinishing, Body Repair and Heavy Vehicle Engineering!

Callum performed brilliantly even under intense pressure and scrutiny from the judges, to go on and win Silver, and also a place in the World Skills UK Squad!

Callum firstly had to complete an online test, then he took part in a 1-day national qualifier in the ‘Auto refinishing’ category, where he became 1 of just 6 to get through to the national final for that category!

The 3-day national final saw them tested in all areas of their particular specialism – from prepping and painting panels, blend and plastic panel repairs - to masking, colour matching and mixing, as well as applying specialist finishes. For part of his entry, Callum also completed a bonnet painted with ‘The Angel of the North’, showcasing his painting skills brilliantly!

Winning Silver and being selected as part of the World Skills UK Squad is a fantastic achievement and one Callum is extremely pleased about. “I'm over the moon with winning Silver at the competition. This has been one of the best experiences I have taken part in and I can't wait for the next stages with the World Skills UK squad."

Employer Garry Charlton of ChipsAway North Tyneside, who cheered Callum along from the side-line over the competition weekend, couldn’t be prouder! “Callum has shown a clear talent for auto refinishing from the start, so I’m so pleased his skill is being recognised in this way, and know he has exactly what it takes to go on and compete internationally in Russia 2019!”