KEY POINTS:
What: Autoglazier
Where: Autoglazier Training and Certification Programme, Smith & Smith, phone 0800-80-90-80, website smithandsmith.co.nz/recruitment
Course cost: covered by Smith & Smith
Salary: Starts from $11 an hour for a school leaver
Smith & Smith follows the Autoglazier Training and Certification Programme (ATCP).
Employees work through 17 modules
over two years, using a distance learning programme.
Modules include theory and practical aspects of the trade.
As each module is completed, it is sent to the IAME (Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers) for assessment. In Auckland, the institute uses Unitec for making practical assessments.
Lee Lunt, Northern Regional Operations Manager, Smith & Smith, says, "That is part of our agreement, that we expect them to complete the 17 modules. We pay for the programme. It's an internal document that we use here and in Australia.
"IAME is based in Australia but they have an office in New Zealand that facilitates this programme."
As employees complete each set of modules they pick up pay increases; and a bonus of $1000 when they complete the programme.
Example of the ATCP module subjects include chip repairs, a side window module windscreen replacements and business administration.
Lunt explains, "We also work on trains and diggers so we have to learn how to cut flat glas and install that in a digger. The core area of what we do is vehicle glass repair and replacement."
Many replacement windscreens are held in stock but some vehicles require glass to be cut to fit or manufactured to fit. Autoglaziers also learn how to take patterns.
Lunt says, "We are trying to appeal to people in the motor trade or who have a keen interest in motors, panelbeating and mechanics."
Autoglaziers have a lot of interaction with customers.
"Obviously they come to us with a problem, with a negative purchase. Nobody likes to have a broken windscreen.
"The guys have to be emphatic, they have to understand situations.
"They also experience a range of demographics. They get to work on the extremes of really nice expensive cars to the guy who has got no money but still has the same appreciation of their car.
"Every day is different and we believe that it is easy to turn people around and give them a good experience if they have had an upset with their car being damaged.
"The best thing is the right attitude ... and to be willing to learn new ideas. Although we have a tight process to follow there's many varied situations where they need to think on their feet. We like to think that they generally make the right decision or learn from that decision."
Technicians can be based at branches or be mobile, working from vans as they visit panel shops or callouts.
Once employees have completed their ATCP they can move into other positions such as leading hands, branch or assistant managers. Or they can move into the flat (building) glass business.
Lunt says, "They can qualify as an automotive glazier but then there is a separate programme that they can work on to qualify as a building glass glazier. Although it's glass, it's putting the glass in another hole.
"They are different skills and different trades."
THE EMPLOYEE
Saten Raju (39)
Technician, Smith & Smith, Manukau
I finished the training about two years ago. I heard about the job through my cousin who also worked for the company. I didn't have a fulltime job, and there was a vacancy in the Manukau branch.
I was interested in knowing about the cars and the parts.
The training was wonderful. I had a lot to learn. I used to work in a diecasting factory, operating machinery but I wasn't so interested in that job.
I wanted to have a trade behind me. That's why I applied for this job.
I'm now a mobile technician. I look after about 10 to 12 panelbeaters in South Auckland, with removal and refitting of glass in cars.
THE EMPLOYER
Lee Lunt
Northern Regional Operations Manager, Smith & Smith
Saten came to us with no skills in the industry; he wanted a job, wanted to work hard, and wanted a career. He gave us a positive impression that he had the attitude that we were looking for. He has delivered that and more. He is a good technician, does a good job and he has committed to what he said he would do. He has completed his ATCP and is now a mobile technician out on the road. He has been able to pick up the pay increases, so he has been rewarded.
The training has helped him to understand what is expected in terms of what our customers require, and ensures that he has the knowledge and the skills to do the best job that he can.
