VDA of the Year competition goes digital

The finalists for the bodyshop VDA of the Year 2020 award powered by the IAEA have been announced as follows:

• Daniel Holloway, in-house engineer, Ageas.
• Jason Russell, image engineer, LV= Insurance.
• Russell Taylor, vehicle damage assessor, Pentagon Ford.
• David Willmore, in-house engineer, AXA Insurance.

Regrettably, physical assessments were not possible this year, however in conjunction with the IAEA bodyshop designed, tested and benchmarked a remote viable alternative.

The final took place on 17 September, when the four finalists showcased their VDA skills and knowledge in four sessions lasting four hours and 40 minutes in total. These comprised:

• Assessments 1 & 2: From the images provided candidates were asked to compile a safe, fully costed assessment using their chosen software system as well as escribe.
• Assessment 3: From the information and images supplied, candidates were asked to compile a repair specification by hand using referencing escribe.
• Assessment 4: Using the information and images supplied, with no consultation to any software system, candidates were asked to write a repair spec covering total hours and paint and materials cost from experience.

The winner of the competition will be unveiled during the bodyshop Awards 2020 on 29 April 2021 at ICC Wales, near the Celtic Manor Resort.