Investing in our people: setting the standard for collision repair

The collision repair industry is changing faster than ever. Vehicles are more complex, materials and paint systems keep evolving, and customers rightly expect a repair that looks perfect and keeps them safe on the road. Keeping pace takes more than good equipment. It takes skilled, confident people who are given the chance to keep learning.

That is why training sits at the heart of how Sheen Group operates.

The collision repair industry continues to face a shortage of skilled panel beaters, spray painters and technicians. With experienced tradespeople in high demand and fewer young people entering the industry, developing the next generation of talent is increasingly important.

At Sheen Group, we're taking a proactive approach by investing in our existing workforce. Through ongoing collision repair training, practical learning opportunities and professional development, we're helping our people strengthen their skills and build rewarding, long-term careers.

Rather than relying solely on recruiting experienced technicians, we're focused on building capability from within and creating a workplace where our people can continue to grow

In October, painters from across the Sheen Group network participated in three days of Speed Performance Training at Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands.

Run over three days with Glasurit's technical specialists, the sessions introduced the new W-O-W process and A-C-24 Clearcoat. The days combined a clear product overview with practical, hands-on spraying in the booth, so every painter could put the new system to work under expert guidance.

Training like this only succeeds when people get involved, and our team did exactly that. The level of engagement across all three days was outstanding. Painters asked questions, shared their own experience and challenged themselves in the booth.

Everyone who attended enjoyed the sessions, and many said the chance to connect with painters from other Sheen shops was just as valuable as the technical content. Those connections help us share knowledge and lift standards right across the group.

When customers bring their vehicles to Sheen Group, they're trusting us to deliver safe, high-quality repairs. Investing in our people helps us meet that responsibility by ensuring our technicians continue developing the skills needed for modern collision repairs.

Safer repairs through technical expertise

As vehicle technology evolves, our technicians need to stay familiar with changing repair methods and materials. Ongoing training helps them apply appropriate processes and maintain high safety standards.

Consistent quality across our network

By sharing knowledge and developing practical skills, our teams work towards consistent workmanship across Sheen Group's Victorian locations. This commitment to quality is supported by our lifetime repair guarantee.

Greater confidence in every repair

Customers deserve peace of mind after an accident. Our investment in professional development helps ensure their vehicles are repaired by skilled technicians who understand the importance of safety, precision and attention to detail.

Speed Performance Training is just one part of Sheen Group's ongoing investment in employee development. We're working towards a structured training pathway designed to support team members at every stage of their careers.

From new starters learning the foundations of collision repair to experienced tradespeople refining their technical expertise, our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.

By investing in practical skills, knowledge sharing, and long-term career development, we're building a stronger workforce and working to set the benchmark for quality across the collision repair industry.

Investing in our people wouldn't be possible without the support of our industry partners. We'd like to thank our longstanding partners BASF and Surventis, along with Glasurit's technical specialists, for sharing their expertise and supporting our ongoing training initiatives.

We're also grateful to Kangan Institute for hosting the sessions at its Automotive Centre of Excellence, and to every Sheen Group painter who participated with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Together, we're helping build the skills and knowledge that support the future of collision repair.

Why should collision repair technicians receive regular training?

Modern vehicles use increasingly complex materials, paint systems and technologies. Regular training helps technicians maintain their technical knowledge and apply appropriate repair processes.

Does technician training affect the quality of smash repairs?

Yes. Practical training helps technicians improve their techniques, understand new products and follow established repair procedures. These skills contribute to consistent workmanship and safe collision repairs.

How does Sheen Group maintain collision repair standards?

Sheen Group supports ongoing technical training, collaboration between workshops and continuous professional development. Our commitment to quality is also supported by ISO 9001 certification and a lifetime repair guarantee.

What types of training do Sheen Group painters undertake?

Sheen Group painters participate in practical training opportunities, including specialist paint system training. Recent Speed Performance Training sessions with Glasurit covered new products and spraying techniques at Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence.