Part of the National Apprenticeship Service

TeamUK Results 2011

5 Gold
2 Silver
6 Bronze

Biography

Karl Vella MBE

North West
Skill: 
Autobody Repair
Home Town: 
Burscough
Employer: 
Karl Vella Autobody Repairs Ltd

 

Qualifications: 

GCGI

Memberships : 

FIMI

Are you City & Guilds qualified?: 
Yes
What involvement have you had with competitions?: 

I first got involved in 1997; to date I have been WorldSkills Chief Expert four times and WorldSkills Expert four times.

Who would you like to thank for their support?: 

The competitors Ross Varnam and Mark Brown’s employers, their families and friends for all the support they are giving, Charlie Busby and Stuart Alexander from Car- O-Liner UK for their support and assistance, Honda UK for their support and to my management team, site managers and all staff of Karl Vella Autobody Repairs Ltd for all their support and commitment to WorldSkills.

What made you take on this role?: 

The excitement of the unknown as the UK had never before taken part in the Autobody Repair competition and it was a new adventure where I could learn how they repaired cars around the world and implement these techniques into my business.

What do you enjoy most about your role?: 

Seeing the transition of the young people I have trained over the years to into confident people who could have a conversation with anyone from a school child to a prime minister and tell them with pride and enthusiasm what they have been involved in and how it has changed their lives.

What sets a WS competitor apart from your average young person?: 

Attitude, determination, the ability to listen and learn, a commitment to see things through and confidence to solve problems.

What would be your message to industry about entering future competitions?: 

I know things are tough at the moment and training is usually the first thing to be chopped but being involved in competitions at whatever level improves people’s skills and understanding, and the business benefits as well as the competitor.

What are your personal achievements: 
  • Started my own company in 1986 (25 years old next year) with one apprentice who is still in the business. Now I employ over 170 people repairing almost 10 000 crash repairs a year.
  • Awarded the MBE for skills training in the motor industry in 2007
  • Received a highly commended certificate for the Prince Philip award in 2010
  • 4th time as Worldskills Chief Expert next time in London 2011
  • Awarded the motor industry Knight of Knights in 2009
  • Awarded the motor industry outstanding achievement award in 2005 for training
  • Andrew Blair who won the Gold Medal for the UK at WorldSkills in Helsinki
Something we didn’t know about you...: 

First job was stacking shelves in a supermarket at 16, then worked as a tyre fitter. Was given a chance at 18 to become an apprentice and have loved being in the motor industry ever since.