To the amateur it may be a case of a bucket and sponge and a quick hoover – but high end car valeting can see experts earn huge sums for painstakingly detailing the world’s most expensive cars.
Three Moray school pupils gained some insight into just what’s involved in professionally caring for vehicles as they spent the day with a car firm in an effort to boost their career prospects.
Keith Grammar School students Mark Rennie, Aaron Skinner and Kyle McHardie, who are all in S4, are currently studying for a National 4 qualification in the automotive skills for work course.
The trio have been learning about the industry in the classroom but staff have been eager to organise sessions with firms to give them hands-on experience.
To that end, they visited Elgin-based AMDetails to gain experience in both valeting and modifying vehicles.
They also enjoyed a tour of the workshop to learn how to use specialist tools from the sector.
Mark said: “It was really good because we got to use professional products and techniques, not just soap and water. At the end of the process you could really see the difference.
“I liked getting the chance to learn about the specialist coatings that can be applied to a car. I’ve never had the chance to try something like that before.”
Keith Grammar is currently the only secondary school in Moray that offers the automotive skills qualification.
Alan Medcraf, owner of AMDetails, said: “It’s great that there is such a course available to our young people. I was delighted to be able to offer my knowledge and skills as part of their learning.
“There’s no SQA or equivalent qualifications for the detailing industry, just best practice. I enjoyed passing this on to the students.”