QUICK SUMMARY
Keelie Nicholls, a 22-year-old apprentice, received the MTA Institute apprentice of the month award for September 2025. Despite not initially planning to enter the automotive field, her artistic skills in colour matching have made her a standout at Bears Body Works, a family-run business in Smithfield.
Keelie Nicholls, a 22-year-old apprentice, has earned the title of MTA Institute apprentice of the month for September 2025. Currently in her fourth year at Bears Body Works in Smithfield, her commitment and artistic skills have impressed both trainers and colleagues. Initially, Nicholls planned to pursue a career in the arts; however, she stepped into the automotive field to help her family business amid staffing challenges. Her background in visual arts has aided her in quickly mastering the intricacies of colour matching in spray painting. While the workshop primarily handles insurance repairs, it also takes on unique projects like restorations and even helicopters, adding variety to her work. Nicholls enjoys the diverse tasks but hopes to see more colour on the roads. This recognition highlights the growing importance of integrating artistic skills into technical trades. Such adaptability is essential in today's job market, where diverse skill sets are increasingly valued.