A Dunedin car painter, familiar with the colour gold, is set to represent New Zealand in Russia.
Harrow Motor Body Works automotive refinisher Callum Dodds (21), of Mornington, said he was ‘‘shocked’’ when he won a gold medal in automotive refinishing in the World Skills New Zealand competition in Auckland.
During the two day contest from October 10, competitors had to complete a range of tasks under time restrictions, masking up a vehicle, priming, painting and putting down the clear coat and painting a design on a vehicle.
The win had opened a spot on a New Zealand team competing in Kazan in Russia next year.
Dodds entered the national competition to ‘‘get outside my comfort zone by learning new skills and adapting to challenges’’.
‘‘Also for the experience — it’s pretty cool to see how other people do it from different paint shops across New Zealand.’’
He began his career as an apprentice at his workplace about four years ago.
He finished his apprenticeship about a year ago and continued to enjoy painting cars.
‘‘I love what I do and love where I do it.’’
He would ‘‘hands down’’ recommend anyone to do an apprenticeship in a trade.
‘‘If you’re passionate about a trade, then definitely do it.’’
Work was plentiful, he said.
‘‘We have more than enough to keep us going — I don’t think I’ll be out of a job the way people are driving.’’
A personal project Dodds had ‘‘on the go’’ was restoring a 1970s Mini Clubman.
He had plans to paint it ‘‘pearl blue’’.
Colour matching was the trickiest part of automotive refinishing.
