Bodyshop training specialist, AutoRaise, has announced the finalists in its inaugural Apprentice of the Year competition, with the winner to be announced at the British Bodyshop Awards in May.

The four finalists, from independent and group bodyshops, are: 16 year-old Connar Haney, of Parkford Coachworks in Taplow; 20 year-old Jamie Wilson, of Fix Auto in Dagenham; 22 year-old Michael Chambers, of Fix Auto Croydon; and 20 year-old Charles Wilkins, of Balgores Motors in Romford.

AutoRaise has been developed by the collision repair industry in association with Barking & Dagenham College.

Chris Oliver, managing director of Fix Auto Dagenham and Chair of the National Association of Bodyshops, commented: “To be selected as a finalist for the AutoRaise Apprenticeship of the Year Award is a tremendous achievement.

“Our thanks go to the ABP, and the British Bodyshop Awards, for providing the occasion to celebrate the success of these young guys as they take their first steps on a career in the body repair industry.”