Family-run business supports aspiring College of West Anglia students

Kett Autopaints (Anglia) Ltd has been working in partnership with the College of West Anglia’s (CWA) Wisbech students to help train highly-skilled bodyshop technicians.

Kett Autopaints (Anglia) Ltd was established in Wisbech in 1980 by Brian Kett, who is still active within the company. Further branches were established later in Norwich and Peterborough.

Over a three-year period, Kett Autopaints has taken on 19 CWA students for work experience placements.

All the students are studying on various motor vehicle body and paint qualifications at the college’s Wisbech campus. Kett Autopaints currently employ three CWA students at the business.

Kaitlyn Thompson is currently studying Level 2 IMI Body and Paint and is employed at Kett Autopaint.

She said: "I am delighted that Mick has given me this opportunity. It has really helped me to develop my practical skills in a working environment."

Mick Etherington, branch manager at Kett Autopaints, said: "We have a strong link to the College of West Anglia, and we are dedicated to equipping the work experience students with the right skills to enable them to succeed and become highly-skilled bodyshop technicians in the future."

CWA work placement and careers co-ordinator Guy Bridge said: "Over the last three years Mick Etherington has been absolutely fantastic in supporting our body and paint students on work experience.

"Without exception every student has enjoyed their time and come away with more knowledge and confidence. To have three of our students in employment is testament to the success of this collaboration. We are indebted to Kett Autopaints for their ongoing support."