In the Turbo Talk driving seat this week is second (soon to be third) year refinish technician Vasilia Kyriacopoulos from the Glen Waverly branch of Sheen Panel Service
How did you start in the industry?
I began my spray painting apprenticeship in 2021 with not much knowledge of the industry at all. I was previously doing a landscaping apprenticeship but due to a back injury I was seeking a new lifelong job. I have always loved cars so I was really looking at all the pathways in the automotive industry where I could bring my artistic skills to use while working with cars.
What do you do now?
We work on several cars daily – big or small and the process is lengthy to produce a high-quality refinished vehicle as sometimes it can take a couple of weeks to get a car back to the customer.
What do you like the most?
What I love about the industry is the chain effect within the shop. Painters and panel beaters work together and without each other the jobs couldn’t be done so everyone has to pull their own weight. It’s a very equal work environment where we all get along.
What do you dislike?
Whether there is not enough exposure of the industry or simply a lack of confidence from the individual, I believe there are not enough female spray painters or panel beaters. It is rarely advertised which is disappointing, but today there are so many equal opportunities for men and women in this trade. The spray painting industry is about attention to detail, efficiency and time management, colour theory and so many more skills that women use in their daily lives that could easily transfer into beginning a career in painting.
Who do you most admire?
I really admire my two managers who come from very different sides of the automotive industry. Tim is a highly qualified painter who knows the best of both worlds when it comes to painting and panel beating and Prasid is a very skilled mechanic by trade but once coming into our industry he was able to teach us all a lot. I think their expertise and commitment to the industry is very motivating but also sets the expectations high for what I personally what to achieve in the future years as a painter and manager.
Cars! Your first, dream car and current car.
I’ve always had an eye for Holdens so the first car I bought was a VZ Thunder Ute in 2019 which I still drive every day. I love working on cars, at work and even at home - my entire life revolves around cars. I recently bought a 1985 Ford Meteor which I have big plans for but I do love all Australian cars. My dream car would probably be a VZ or VF Maloo.