Farécla Bonnet Painting Competition (2024) - Meet the Finalists: Jackson

Ahead of the 2024 Grand Finals, Farécla conducted a series of interviews with this year's finalists. Today the spotlight is on Jackson Bailey (23) from FMG Repair Services Stockport.

Jackson is approaching the end of his Automotive Painting Refinishing Apprenticeship after 3 years - with his End Point Assessment coming up in December 2024 / January 2025.

When asked how Jackson got into Refinishing, he said it was something he had an interest in early on and knew he wanted to get into it:

"I watched a lot of American car programmes like Kingdig Customs and a few of my fathers mates were in the trade. I did two years at college as soon as I left school and then I was looking at apprenticeships for paint and refinishing."

Jackson learnt about the contest during FMG Repair Services's Apprentice Engagement events during National Apprenticeship Week - where Jack and Ash from Farécla were in attendance to offer some polishing top tips.

Jackson's bonnet design is inspired around his hometown Manchester and the worker bee:

"The worker bee has been an emblem of Manchester for over 150 years and represents hard work ethic. I believe this strongly links to my apprenticeship journey over the last three years; there have been many obstacles and challenges, however I have demonstrated resilience to overcome these and progress to the final stages of my apprenticeship."

With his theming decided, Jackson set about planning his design:

"I had a strong vision for my bonnet and wanted to incorporate the worker bee and the Farécla colours together through the emblem and honeycomb. I like the honeycomb effect on cars and wanted to incorporate this into my bonnet."

Jackson's design meant taking on new challenges and building upon his skills.

"Prior to the contest I hadn't really done stencilling or masking for patterns and the like so I was learning as I was going. There was a lot of cutting and sticking!"

And the hard work paid off:

"I'm very happy with the outcome of my design. I achieved my overall design vision and I believe it demonstrates the progression of my skills over the last three years."

It seems the public agreed! Jackson's bonnet went on to win our public vote during the Semi-Finals securing Jackson a slot in the Grand Finals.

"I wasn't sure I would win at the time so I was really surprised when the result was revealed and I was thrilled to make it to the Finals."

Lastly, Farécla asked Jackson what he hoped to do with the prize money:

"I do need a new primer spray gun so if I do win I'm definitely going to invest in one with the rest going towards savings for a house."

Farécla would once again like to thank Jackson for his time and wish him the best of luck in the upcoming Grand Final!

This interview is part of a series of interviews with our Grand Finalists - Jackson Bailey, Rylee Gale, Kayleigh Meadows, Aaron Marshall and Lauryn Palmer - being published daily between Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October 2024 on our website. Be sure to check out our blog for interviews with our 2024 finalists.

Join Farécla on Friday 11th October at 12 Noon (BST) for a special livestream presentation as our judges announce the winner of the 2024 contest. Please see the links below for further details.

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