Car-O-Liner is continuing its support of contestants of Skills competitions around the world with opportunities for education, experience and employment globally.
Former SkillsUSA and WorldSkills Americas Champion George Mason said his participation in the competition has prepared him for his career.
“I decided to compete in Skills because I felt it would give me an edge in the field,” the 23-year-old Mason said. “I knew this would give me more opportunities to network and work with the equipment as well.”
At 19, Mason finished just outside the top 10 in WorldSkills in Leipzig, Germany. He was hired last year by Carolina Collision Equipment, a Car-O-Liner Distributor, and now works as a sales and service representative for the company.
“At the Skills competitions, I had the opportunity to work with the latest Car-O-Liner products,” Mason said.
Mason competed on the Car-O-Tronic Vision2 X3 measuring system, CTR12000 resistance spot welder, Quick 42 alignment bench and EVO systems, developing expertise in the products that others his age did not have.
“I started out in a body shop when I was 14 just sweeping floors and worked my way up,” he said. “I feel like Skills really gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”
From Sweden to Singapore, many former WorldSkills participants are currently employed by Car-O-Liner worldwide, said Karen Eliason, marketing communications manager – Sweden.
“Car-O-Liner has been an approved sponsor of the AutoBody Repair Skill at WorldSkills competitions since 2009 and plans to continue sponsorship,” said Eliason.
Car-O-Liner Group AB’s purpose for sponsorship is to emphasize the importance of vocational education for the younger generation in their quest for excellence within auto body repair, said Jonas Gunnarsson, VP and BU manager, Automotive.
“We also hope to inspire and change the lives of young people,” Gunnarsson said. “Skills excellence is the driving force behind success.”
The next WorldSkills International competition will be held Oct. 14-17, 2017, in Abu Dhabi.
