Michael Sullivan (right), A* Technician at National Windscreens HoddesdonMichael has worked at National Windscreens since 2010. Based at Hoddesdon, he had previously been a delivery driver for a major supermarket chain.
How long have you worked for National Windscreens and why did you join?
I joined National Windscreens in December 2010. I was working at Asda and one day a National Windscreens technician came to fix a windscreen on one of the delivery vans. We got talking and I was watching the work he was doing and just thought I liked it and could do it.
I applied for a job and while I didn’t have any experience they provided thorough training which ensures you understand every aspect of repairing or replacing windscreens.
I now have an NVQ Level 2 qualification (NVQ Diploma in Automotive Glazing) and receive ongoing training as technology changes. We’re seeing a lot more ADAS fitted vehicles nowadays and that is a really exciting technology. It’s great to work on the calibration, another exciting aspect of the job.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Like the other technicians, we arrive at the depot each morning where we’re provided with our jobs for the day. I always ensure I speak to the customers first. It’s important for them to know you’ll be coming to see them in the day.
There’s no typical day as such. The type of vehicle and windscreen you could be working on is always different. I’ve worked on all sorts of cars, from a Lamborghini to commercial vehicles. For some more difficult jobs, you’ll work with a colleague, usually because of the size of the windscreen involved.
Generally, I work within a 25 mile radius and will fix between six or seven vehicles each day but it depends on the type of jobs you’re assigned to. This is always factored in when you get your job sheet in the morning. It’s planned to ensure you can get to each customer at the time they expect.
What’s the best part of your job?
I don’t think there is one specific part – it’s the whole job! You arrive every day with new jobs and so you could be working on any type of vehicle. The new ADAS technology coming in is really exciting so I enjoy that. There’s a lot of new car technology coming in that affects what we do, so there’s always something to learn and train for.
What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a technician?
The job is really varied. You have an opportunity to work with some great people and you must be people-focused as you’re on the frontline, meeting customers every day. It’s important you give them the service they expect. You’re provided with the best training and it’s a great job.