Former Martec Training learner Lewis Rixon has gone from strength to strength after completing his apprenticeship as a Vehicle Damage Paint Technician in 2025 – and has now setup his own business.
Lewis preferred creative classes in school, excelling in Art and Woodwork. After leaving school he heard about the Vehicle Damage Paint Technician apprenticeship at Martec. He worked closely with tutors to get his English and Maths qualifications, and despite not being academically minded, that his Maths especially would help with his career down the line.
“At school I wasn’t academic and was better at creative classes like Art and Woodwork, as I liked doing physical jobs. I went to Martec and got my English and Maths qualifications after a couple of attempts, but my Apprenticeship Tutor Dave Day really pushed me to get them,” Lewis said.
Lewis studied at Martec between 2022 and 2025, having a day release from apprenticeships at PSI Tuning, Halls Auto Cosmetic Repair and Elite Vehicle Repair. While Lewis took a little time to settle, he gained valuable experience and skills at each employer before deciding to start his own business RixFix.
He was inspired by one of his bosses at Elite Vehicle Repair who proved an invaluable mentor, during his apprenticeship at the company across his time at Martec.
“One of my bosses Kerie, who sadly recently passed away was a huge inspiration for me, and I don’t think I’d have my own business now without his help,” Lewis said.
Lewis wanted to run his own business after completing his apprenticeship at Martec, and setup RixFix, a vehicle body repair service which operates on a mobile basis with the option of coming to Lewis’ garage unit in Northwich, Cheshire.
“My company RixFix has been running since August 2025, and I’m now working on repairs for customers all over the country including London, Manchester, Liverpool and all over the Midlands. People get in touch through social media or I have been recommended by someone.
“The response has been great since starting the business, and I’m consistently booked up on a host of different jobs,” Lewis added.
Simon Kitson, Operations Manager at Martec Training added,
“We are very proud of Lewis achievements in English and Maths alongside his accident repair apprenticeship, this was reflected with him achieving the apprentice of the year award during his time with us. It’s great now to hear he is now thriving with his own business. It showcases the resilience we instil in all our learners and apprentices to strive to achieve their goals despite struggles along the way. Although the destination is important, we must remember the lessons we learn on the journey”
