The skills and aptitudes Smart Fleet Solutions looks for in its trainee refurbishment technicians

Once we receive your application, we do a telephone pre-screen call and then if all goes well, you are invited for a one-to-one site tour and interview. In addition, Smart Fleet Solutions runs occasional assessment centres when there is a large selection of applicants for training programmes: 

• The assessment centre runs for three hours and applicants will get to meet the recruitment team and the hiring managers for the positions 
• Candidates start by introducing themselves to the team and sharing a little about their career history and of course their interest in the automotive industry 
• The Smart Fleet Solutions team introduces the company and its history and this is followed by a full site tour so that applicants gain a visual understanding of what we do, the scale of what we do, and the environment we work in 
• We then share more details on the opportunities available and give an outline of what the Morelli course entails (if applicable) and the benefits of the in house training that we also offer. Questions are taken throughout the session to ensure that everything is covered
• Candidates then complete two team exercises: one based on statistics and facts and the other a team building exercise which showcases their teamwork skills 
• Candidates then have a 1-1 interview at the end of the assessment centre which focuses on their transferable skills. The recruitment teams provide feedback within 48 hours of the assessment centre to all candidates .

There are many skills and aptitudes which are needed for a trainee refurbishment technician role, including communication with colleagues during the training period. This is essential to ensure each stage of the refurbishment process is carried out seamlessly with as little error as possible so vehicles can be passed onto the next stage. This typically suits ex-service personnel well who have great teamwork and communication skills from gained from their military training.

Maintaining a tidy professional work environment is also essential for employees at Smart Fleet Solutions. It’s a fast paced and busy environment so a disciplined approach to efficiency is paramount for both an effective work flow and for health and safety regulations. Trainee refurbishment technicians must also be able to quickly pick up the tasks involved such as panel repair, paint spraying, polishing, smart repair which involved a mixture of intricate detailed work and large-scale panel work. Using their own initiative and being prepared to strive to overcome difficulties are two traits which we’ve noted that ex-military candidates bring to their work and we particularly welcome candidates who showcase these characteristics.

Candidates for our trainee roles must also have a keen eye for detail in order to identify where the fix needs to occur and are able to do it to the highest standard, for example in the blending processes in paint and panel repair.

At some CTP Careers Fairs candidates are able to meet some of the Smart Fleet Solutions team and try our Virtual Reality Simspray machine allowing you to have a go at being in a VR spray booth and spraying a car. After speaking to one of our recruitment team or site representatives about yourself and the opportunities available, you will have the option of filling out an application form. One of our in-house recruitment team will then get back to you within a week to answer your questions about ourselves and go into detail about the relevant available opportunities. We are looking for motivated enthusiastic individuals with an interest in vehicles and vehicle refurbishment or similar! Candidates will be asked questions on what they have done before and will delve more into their skills and what they are looking for in a new position. 

Case study

Luke Maddison, 22, joined Smart Fleet Solutions as a trainee refurbishment technician at our Cold Meece site in August 2019 having been based at MOD Stafford as a Signaller.

Luke joined us like many of our trainees with little or no experience in vehicle refurbishment but with a keen enthusiasm and willingness to learn. He is currently being trained by ourselves to progress him into a multi-skilled refurbishment technician.

He says: