Fix Auto Newport Apprentice Medals at WorldSkills National Finals

Fix Auto Newport’s apprentice spray painter Teagan Whiteman has taken a mighty step forward in booking her place to showcase her skills and compete for Team GB on the international stage.

The 19-year-old excelled during the WorldSkills UK National Finals and won the bronze medal, scoring a magnificent 79.6 per cent after completing six, back-to-back, tasks encompassing all facets of a technician’s role set over two days.  

As one of six finalists competing in the Automotive Refinishing category in Bolton, finishing a hugely respectable third overall means the 19-year-old now has an agonising wait to see if she has made the IMI Team GB ‘Long Squad’. If successful, she will be guaranteed a place to compete in the 2025 EuroSkills finals that will be held in Herning, Denmark, next September and then on the biggest stage of all at the WorldSkills grand final set for Shanghai, China, in September 2026.  

Speaking after last week’s event, Teagan said: “It was an intense two days and I really did give it my best and I was pleased with my overall performance, but I really didn’t think for a moment I’d medal!

“When my name was called out, I just couldn’t believe it. I am delighted with the result but I now just have to wait to see if I’ve done enough to be selected for the Long Squad. I can’t thank those who have helped me along the way enough.”

Richard Hutchins, IMI Competitions Manager who organised last week’s event, commented: “Teagan displayed exemplary skills throughout both days. She is an incredibly talented technician which is reflected in her score and her overall position. While it is too early to call on whether she’s made the Team GB squad, she has worked her way into one of the three prime positions to compete in Denmark next year and in China in 2026 and that is a major credit to her.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said: “Teagan is a credit to all within the group. This is an ambitious and clearly hugely talented young lady who literally walked straight out of school and into our Newport centre two years ago and simply asked for a job.

“Since that day she has excelled. Credit must be given to John Bowler, who manages the site, and our head painter Alex Braddon who has mentored Teagan from day one. To have an apprentice from the network on the precipice of competing on the WorldSkills international stage is yet another incredible chapter for us.”