Meet IMI Skills Competition Body Repair Gold Medallist 2024, Jordan Lingham from Sinclair's Bodyshop:
Competition experience so far:
“It’s been a great experience overall, and I'm happy to get through to the final again and you know, hopefully earn myself a medal this time around.” As a returning finalist, Jordan has been able to reflect on how this time differs from his last experience: “It’s been easier this time around as I’ve been through the process before which takes off some of the pressure, but it still a bit nerve-wracking right at the start of tasks but I suppose you just have to get on with it, don’t you? Meeting all the other competitors is great too.”
Career journey so far:
Jordan joined the Body Repair sector as a Panel Technician Apprentice, following in the steps of his dad who also worked at Sinclair Group Accident and Repair Centre in Swansea. Owing to his early exposure to the sector, Jordan always saw a career in automotive as a possible destination for himself: “I think most my life I’ve been interested in cars and bikes, just the same as my dad because he’s always worked on them.”
Future aspirations:
Jordan’s immediate aim is to get himself onto this year’s podium and said: “I just want to keep learning and doing my job better and better. What I like about the job is every day is different so there’s always opportunities to learn new skills or work on different cars."
Employer and manager comments:
Body Repair Manager, Daniel, added “Having two finalists in the competition again this year really shows that the work we put into developing our young talent is worth it. Jordan has come a long way and deserves his chance to win a medal this time around, which he is more than capable of doing.”
Advice for new apprentices:
“Given the opportunity to go into WorldSkills, you should definitely go for it 100%. And if you make mistakes along the line, just carry on with what you’re doing. Don’t dwell on the mistakes when you’re in the competition, just crack on with what’s in front of you.”
