More panelbeaters and apprentices needed to match increased collisionsCatherine Groenestein Though business is booming for panelbeater Andrew Purser at his Hawera and New Plymouth workshops, he says the industry is struggling to attract new skilled workers. Panelbeaters have gone from the chopping block to the shortage list as a rise in car crashes puts pressure on an industry struggling to attract apprentices. Craig Bates Panelbeaters are inundated with work and apprentices are in short supply. He said an estimated 600 new apprentices were required to meet demand but the panelbeating industry has received just half that. But Purser said initiatives to attract new panelbeaters would not mitigate the industry's struggles in real time.

Source: Stuff January 30, 2017 23:10 UTC